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Cost of Living in Kingston

Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica · Population 1,190,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Jamaica average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)J$111,712 ($716)
Couple, monthlyJ$199,483 ($1,279)
Family of four, monthlyJ$259,150 ($1,661)

Estimated Prices in Kingston

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantJ$1,156 ($7.41)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeJ$4,624 ($29.64)per meal
CappuccinoJ$347 ($2.22)each
Monthly groceries (single person)J$26,202 ($168)per month
Monthly public transport passJ$4,239 ($27.17)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentJ$11,174 ($71.63)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)J$3,237 ($20.75)per month
Fitness club membershipJ$3,237 ($20.75)per month
Cinema ticketJ$848 ($5.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreJ$49,806 ($319)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreJ$34,648 ($222)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreJ$103,943 ($666)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Kingston is J$121,680 ($780) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of J$111,712 ($716) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly J$145,225 ($931) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (J$34,648 ($222)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Kingston

Kingston vs PortmoreKingston vs Spanish TownKingston vs Montego BayKingston vs Lucky HillKingston vs Half Way TreeKingston vs May Pen

Nearby Cities

Half Way Tree

4 km away · Saint Andrew

Portmore

8 km away · Saint Catherine

Spanish Town

17 km away · Saint Catherine

Bog Walk

27 km away · Saint Catherine

Linstead

31 km away · Saint Catherine

Old Harbour

34 km away · Saint Catherine

Ewarton

38 km away · Saint Catherine

Morant Bay

42 km away · Saint Thomas

Other Major Cities in Jamaica

Portmore

Saint Catherine · pop. 182,153

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Spanish Town

Saint Catherine · pop. 131,056

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Montego Bay

Saint James · pop. 123,994

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Lucky Hill

Saint Mary · pop. 114,227

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Half Way Tree

Saint Andrew · pop. 96,494

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

May Pen

Clarendon · pop. 61,548

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Living in Kingston

Kingston is the capital and one of the key cities in Jamaica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is J$111,712 ($716), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around J$34,648 ($222) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to J$259,150 ($1,661) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately J$199,483 ($1,279) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Kingston is J$121,680 ($780). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least J$145,225 ($931) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kingston expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated J$111,712 ($716) per month in Kingston including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Jamaica.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Kingston?
A net salary of around J$145,225 ($931) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Kingston with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Kingston is J$121,680 ($780).
How much is rent in Kingston?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated J$49,806 ($319) per month in the city centre and J$34,648 ($222) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about J$103,943 ($666).
Is Kingston cheaper than Jamaica on average?
No — Kingston is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Jamaica average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Kingston?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at J$26,202 ($168) in Kingston. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about J$1,156 ($7) and a cappuccino runs around J$347 ($2).
How do transport costs in Kingston compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Kingston is estimated at J$4,239 ($27). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Kingston are estimates based on Jamaica national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,190,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.