Living in Jamaica: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Jamaica | Expat Exchange

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Living in Jamaica

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Jamaica is 2.9 million people. The largest cities in Jamaica are Kingston, Spanish Town, Montego Bay, and Portmore. Expats love living in Jamaica for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and vibrant culture. People describe life in Jamaica as laid-back and relaxed, with a strong sense of community. Popular foods in Jamaica include jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curried goat. The cons of living in Jamaica include a high crime rate, limited job opportunities, and a lack of infrastructure. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month in US dollars. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

What do I need to know about living in Jamaica?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Jamaica, they said:

"Jamaica is a beautiful island as are most of the people. But it’s not an easy place to live and you have to be fairly resilient to do so," explained one expat living in Jamaica.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.