CostLens
HomeJamaica › Montego Bay

Cost of Living in Montego Bay

Montego Bay, Saint James, Jamaica · Population 123,994

▼ -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 Montego Bay

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 Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay

Montego Bay vs KingstonMontego Bay vs PortmoreMontego Bay vs Spanish TownMontego Bay vs Lucky HillMontego Bay vs Half Way TreeMontego Bay vs May Pen

Nearby Cities

Lucea

27 km away · Hanover

Falmouth

28 km away · Trelawny

Savanna-la-Mar

36 km away · Westmoreland

Black River

50 km away · Saint Elizabeth

Mandeville

65 km away · Manchester

Saint Ann’s Bay

75 km away · Saint Ann

Ocho Rios

86 km away · Saint Ann

May Pen

91 km away · Clarendon

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

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 Montego Bay

Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated J$84,240 ($540) per month in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay?
A net salary of around J$109,512 ($702) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Montego Bay with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Montego Bay is J$93,600 ($600).
How much is rent in Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay cheaper than Jamaica on average?
Yes — Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at J$20,155 ($129) in Montego Bay. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about J$889 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around J$267 ($2).
How do transport costs in Montego Bay compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Montego Bay is estimated at J$3,260 ($21). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Montego Bay are estimates based on Jamaica national averages adjusted for city size (population 123,994). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.