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Cost of Living in Portmore

Portmore, Saint Catherine, Jamaica · Population 182,153

▼ -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 Portmore

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 Portmore 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 Portmore

Portmore vs KingstonPortmore vs Spanish TownPortmore vs Montego BayPortmore vs Lucky HillPortmore vs Half Way TreePortmore vs May Pen

Nearby Cities

Kingston

8 km away · Kingston

Half Way Tree

9 km away · Saint Andrew

Spanish Town

10 km away · Saint Catherine

Bog Walk

22 km away · Saint Catherine

Linstead

26 km away · Saint Catherine

Old Harbour

27 km away · Saint Catherine

Ewarton

33 km away · Saint Catherine

Lucky Hill

40 km away · Saint Mary

Other Major Cities in Jamaica

Kingston

Kingston · pop. 1,190,000

J$111,712 ($716) / 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 Portmore

Portmore 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 Portmore 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 Portmore expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated J$84,240 ($540) per month in Portmore 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 Portmore?
A net salary of around J$109,512 ($702) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Portmore with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Portmore is J$93,600 ($600).
How much is rent in Portmore?
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 Portmore cheaper than Jamaica on average?
Yes — Portmore 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 Portmore?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at J$20,155 ($129) in Portmore. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about J$889 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around J$267 ($2).
How do transport costs in Portmore compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Portmore is estimated at J$3,260 ($21). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Portmore are estimates based on Jamaica national averages adjusted for city size (population 182,153). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.