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

Living in Jamaica

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," said one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

"Well, if the friend was moving from a country in which gas is supplied via a main pipeline rather than a gas cylinder, I would suggest that he or she not take the cooker (gas stove). Also, ensure that your house is wired with the appropriate voltage and AC adapters, otherwise large electrical appliances are not likely to work," explained one expat living in Spanish Town, 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.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.