Cost of Living in Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica · North America
$1,400
Monthly Cost
avg/person
48
Cost Index
NYC=100
42
Rent Index
NYC=100
55
Quality of Life
Moderate
28
Safety Index
Poor
0.6M
Population
JMD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $6 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $24 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $22 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.6 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $95 |
| Mobile Plan | $18 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $40 |
| Fitness Club/month | $35 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $440/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $950/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 10% |
View Cost of Living in Jamaica
Cost of Living in Kingston — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kingston, Jamaica is approximately $1,400 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kingston has a cost index of 48, making it around 52% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kingston costs around $440/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,600/month. The rent index is 42 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kingston scores 55/100 on the quality of life index and 28/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 58/100. The climate index is 78/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Kingston is approximately $700/month. With a purchasing power index of 44/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is JMD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Kingston
The average monthly salary in Kingston is approximately $700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,400, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 44/100.
Healthcare Costs in Kingston
Healthcare quality in Kingston is rated 58/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Kingston
Kingston has a quality of life score of 55/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Kingston
Students living in Kingston should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Kingston
Expats moving to Kingston often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Kingston, Jamaica is approximately $1,400 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 48 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Kingston
Living in Kingston offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 48 and a quality of life score of 55/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Kingston provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Jamaica and around the world.
Key Facts About Kingston
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,400
- Cost Index: 48
- Rent Index: 42
- Average Salary: $700
- Quality of Life: 55/100
- Safety Score: 28/100
- Country: Jamaica
- Currency: JMD
Is Kingston Expensive?
Kingston has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Kingston compare to other cities?
Kingston is located in North America with a population of approximately 0.6M. At a cost index of 48 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Kingston stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kingston?
The average cost of living in Kingston, Jamaica is approximately $1,400 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 48 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Kingston?
Rent in Kingston varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 42 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Kingston alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Kingston expensive to live in?
Kingston has a cost index of 48 compared to New York City (100). At 48, Kingston is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,400.
What is the quality of life in Kingston?
Kingston has a quality of life index of 55/100 and a safety index of 28/100. The city is located in North America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Kingston compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Kingston with any city worldwide. Kingston's cost index is 48 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Kingston?
Many residents live comfortably in Kingston with a monthly budget of around $1,400 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Kingston good for expats?
Kingston is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Kingston?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,400 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Kingston.
Is Kingston cheaper than New York?
Yes, Kingston has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Kingston?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Kingston.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Kingston
Cheapest Ways to Live in Kingston
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Kingston typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $440/month compared to $700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Kingston, Jamaica.
Is Kingston Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 44/100 and a quality of life score of 55/100, Kingston is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 48 relative to New York City, Kingston remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Jamaica has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Kingston Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Kingston", "Kingston monthly expenses 2026", and "is Kingston affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,400, a safety score of 28/100, and healthcare rated 58/100, Kingston offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Jamaica.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026