Cost of Living in Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica · North America
Cost of Living in Kingston: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Kingston, Jamaica is approximately $1,400 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 48, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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% |
Cost of Living in Kingston: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Kingston, Jamaica, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $1,400. The city's cost of living index is 48, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Kingston
A typical monthly budget in Kingston includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Kingston
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $440 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $700. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,600 per month.
Average Salary in Kingston
The average net salary in Kingston is approximately $700 per month. Purchasing power is rated 44out of 100.
Is Kingston Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 48,Kingston is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Kingston
Safety
Kingston has a safety score of 28/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kingston is rated 58/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Kingston is 78/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Kingston has a purchasing power score of 44/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Kingston
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Kingston should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Kingston fits their monthly budget.
Is Kingston Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 48provides a useful benchmark when comparing Kingston with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Kingston
- Average Monthly Cost
- $1,400
- Cost Index
- 48
- Rent Index
- 42
- Average Net Salary
- $700
- Quality of Life
- 55/100
- Safety
- 28/100
- Healthcare
- 58/100
- Currency
- JMD
Frequently Asked Questions About Kingston
What is the cost of living in Kingston?
The estimated cost of living in Kingston, Jamaica, is approximately $1,400 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Kingston?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $440 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $700.
Is Kingston expensive to live in?
Kingston has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Kingston?
The average net salary in Kingston is approximately $700 per month.
Is Kingston good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Kingston is suitable for relocation.