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Montego Bay, Jamaica

Cost of Living in Montego Bay, Jamaica

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 02, 2025

Summary: The cost of living in Montego Bay, Jamaica is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Montego Bay can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Montego Bay is usually around $15 to $20 per person.

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Is the cost of living in Montego Bay high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Montego Bay, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Montego Bay is generally considered to be relatively low compared to other Caribbean destinations. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while housing costs can vary depending on the area. Eating out is also relatively affordable, with many restaurants offering meals for a fraction of the cost of similar meals in other countries. Overall, Montego Bay is a great destination for those looking for a budget-friendly vacation," said one expat in Montego Bay.

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Will I save money living in Montego Bay?

"Living in Montego Bay can be significantly cheaper than living in the United States. The cost of living in Jamaica is generally lower than in the US, with lower prices for food, housing, transportation, and other necessities. Additionally, the Jamaican dollar is worth less than the US dollar, so your money will go further. As a result, you can expect to save money by living in Montego Bay, Jamaica," explained one expat.

What is the average cost of housing in Montego Bay?

If you are thinking about moving to Montego Bay, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Montego Bay varies depending on the type of housing and the location. Generally, the cost of renting an apartment or house in Montego Bay is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the Caribbean. Prices range from around $500 USD per month for a basic one-bedroom apartment to upwards of $2,000 USD per month for a luxury villa," said one expat in Montego Bay.

"I am paying $1200 USD plus utilities here. Expensive for Jamaica however this same house would cost double in Canada," remarked one in Montego Bay.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Montego Bay?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Montego Bay can range from around $500 to $1,000 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $800 to $1,500 per month," commented one expat who moved to Montego Bay.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Montego Bay what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Montego Bay, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and washing machine. Additionally, some properties may include air conditioning, a dishwasher, and a clothes dryer," mentioned one expat in Montego Bay.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Montego Bay, Jamaica
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