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Cost of Living in May Pen

May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica · Population 61,548

▼ -6% vs Jamaica average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)J$84,240 ($540)
Couple, monthlyJ$149,916 ($961)
Family of four, monthlyJ$194,270 ($1,245)

Estimated Prices in May Pen

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantJ$889 ($5.70)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeJ$3,557 ($22.80)per meal
CappuccinoJ$267 ($1.71)each
Monthly groceries (single person)J$20,155 ($129)per month
Monthly public transport passJ$3,260 ($20.90)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentJ$8,596 ($55.10)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)J$2,490 ($15.96)per month
Fitness club membershipJ$2,490 ($15.96)per month
Cinema ticketJ$652 ($4.18)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreJ$35,880 ($230)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreJ$24,960 ($160)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreJ$74,880 ($480)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in May Pen is J$93,600 ($600) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of J$84,240 ($540) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly J$109,512 ($702) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (J$24,960 ($160)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare May Pen

May Pen vs KingstonMay Pen vs PortmoreMay Pen vs Spanish TownMay Pen vs Montego BayMay Pen vs Lucky HillMay Pen vs Half Way Tree

Nearby Cities

Old Harbour

14 km away · Saint Catherine

Mandeville

28 km away · Manchester

Ewarton

31 km away · Saint Catherine

Linstead

31 km away · Saint Catherine

Spanish Town

32 km away · Saint Catherine

Bog Walk

32 km away · Saint Catherine

Portmore

41 km away · Saint Catherine

Lucky Hill

46 km away · Saint Mary

Other Major Cities in Jamaica

Kingston

Kingston · pop. 1,190,000

J$111,712 ($716) / mo

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

Living in May Pen

May Pen is one of the key cities in Jamaica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is J$84,240 ($540), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around J$24,960 ($160) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to J$194,270 ($1,245) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately J$149,916 ($961) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in May Pen is J$93,600 ($600). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least J$109,512 ($702) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May Pen expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated J$84,240 ($540) per month in May Pen including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Jamaica.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in May Pen?
A net salary of around J$109,512 ($702) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in May Pen with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in May Pen is J$93,600 ($600).
How much is rent in May Pen?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated J$35,880 ($230) per month in the city centre and J$24,960 ($160) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about J$74,880 ($480).
Is May Pen cheaper than Jamaica on average?
Yes — May Pen is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Jamaica average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in May Pen?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at J$20,155 ($129) in May Pen. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about J$889 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around J$267 ($2).
How do transport costs in May Pen compare?
A monthly public transport pass in May Pen is estimated at J$3,260 ($21). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for May Pen are estimates based on Jamaica national averages adjusted for city size (population 61,548). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.