Jamaica🇯🇲
At a Glance
How Jamaica compares across key indices
Cost of Living
56 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
33/100
Healthcare
52/100
Quality of Life
83/200
Climate
72/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Jamaica
Cost of Living
56
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
17
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
66
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
50
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Kingston
Cheapest$1,933/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in Jamaica — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
33/100
Crime Index
67/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
76/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
25 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 189 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Jamaica
Jamaica has 1 city with Numbeo data. Kingston has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,933. Kingston leads on safety, scoring 31/100.
Kingston
$1,933/mo
Kingston
31/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston | $1,933 | 31/100 | — | — | 71 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Jamaica
Healthcare Index
52/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 44 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Jamaica
Pollution Index
66/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 112 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Jamaica
Average One-Way Commute
43minutes
Average
Traffic Index
177
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
218
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
4.5kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 19 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Jamaica, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Jamaica?
Jamaica has a cost of living index of 56 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,933 in Kingston.
Is Jamaica safe for expats?
Jamaica has a safety index of 33/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Kingston scores highest on safety at 31/100.
How good is healthcare in Jamaica?
Jamaica scores 52/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Jamaica cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Jamaica's cost of living is roughly 44% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 83% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Jamaica?
Jamaica has a pollution index of 66/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Jamaica
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
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Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
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