
Last updated on Nov 27, 2021
Summary: What is the cost of living in Jamaica? Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Jamaica talk about the general living costs, the cost of housing and health insurance.
"Our housing costs are much lower than in the US. My husband and I live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath furnished home for 60,000 Jamaican dollars (about $480 US dollars a month). Yard maintenance and water is included in the rent. It is a newer house with an open floorplan. Electricity is about $4,000 JMD (about $31 USD). Cable (Westar) is $2,700JMD a month (about $21 USD) and we get tons of good channels. Unfurnished houses here can be found for about $45,000JMD ($352 USD). Ofcourse, if you want to go really budget and talk to the right people, you can find a place for about $250 USD a month," explained one expat living in Falmouth.
"I am paying $1200 USD plus utilities here. Expensive for Jamaica however this same house would cost double in Canada," said another expat in Montego Bay.
"i would say at the time, that where i lived there, was cheaper or about the same..i dont' look for too much, when there, you spend alot of time outside, and for me, the space and the a/c and things like that were not as important..never had a/c. I did want to be able to cook, of course, and make coffee and a good place to hang my laundry, as i washed by hand, most of the time, and a place to park my car, access to taxis, safe yard (important)," added another person living in Negril.
"Home costs are ridiculous, I don't pay for rent, electricity etc, however these are on average 3 times the cost. Food is far far far too overpriced. I am still paid as if living in Europe and food on average is about 3-4 times more expensive here than home. Frozen stuff is extremely expensive," explained one expat living in Ocho Rios.
"My housing costs are significantly lower than in the US. I am paying 30,000 per month for a two bedrooms with two bathrooms. I was just lucky to get such a deal but the average cost for this apartment is 45,000-65,000 per month. My light bill is 7,000 per month but I run my a/c unit each night just to fall asleep. My water bill is between 500 and 800 per month," said another in Falmouth.
"My housing costs are significantly lower but it's all relative to income here so it works out the same," explained one expat who made the move to Ocho Rios.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Some of Betsy's more popular articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Italy, 12 Things to Know Before Moving to The Dominican Republic and the Living in Panama Guide. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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People from all over the globe have found their way to Jamaica to live as an expat in the Caribbean Sea. Expats already there are quick to point out
Jamaica Forum
Join our Jamaica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Jamaica.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Jamaica.
If you're thinking of moving to Jamaica or retiring in Jamaica, deciding where to live is not as simple as you think. Jamaica is a large island with numerous cities and towns that appeal to expats. This article highlights the 7 best places to live in Jamaica.
Expats in Jamaica share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Jamaica. Advice about private hospitals, leaving the country for surgery, the Zika virus, the availability and cost of prescription medicines and more.
Expats move to Jamaica for a variety of reasons. Some go for work, while others want to retire there or live an island lifestyle. Moving to Jamaica requires thorough research and a recognition that island life is can be quite different than one might expect.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Jamaica.
Jamaica is a well-known island getaway, but living there is not an extended vacation. Expensive schools, safety issues and high cost of living are all challenges for expats.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Expats, digital nomads and retirees share what it's like living in Jamaica and offer advice to newcomers.
What is it like to move to Jamaica in 2022? Members offer advice for newcomers.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
People from all over the globe have found their way to Jamaica to live as an expat in the Caribbean Sea. Expats already there are quick to point out
Jamaica Forum
Meet other expats and talk about living in Jamaica.
If you're thinking of moving to Jamaica or retiring in Jamaica, deciding where to live is not as simple as you think. Jamaica is a large island with numerous cities and towns that appeal to expats. This article highlights the 7 best places to live in Jamaica.
Expats in Jamaica share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Jamaica. Advice about private hospitals, leaving the country for surgery, the Zika virus, the availability and cost of prescription medicines and more.
Expats move to Jamaica for a variety of reasons. Some go for work, while others want to retire there or live an island lifestyle. Moving to Jamaica requires thorough research and a recognition that island life is can be quite different than one might expect.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Jamaica.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Jamaica.
Jamaica is a well-known island getaway, but living there is not an extended vacation. Expensive schools, safety issues and high cost of living are all challenges for expats.
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