Last update: Oct 2026 Jamaica 5.2K

Cost of Living in Duncans

For one person, living costs in Duncans are estimated at $1,011 a month, including rent and utilities – 31% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Duncans

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Duncans actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,011 per month with rent, or $840 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,011 /mo

A couple spends around $1,673 per month with rent, or $1,502 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,673 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,336 per month with rent, or $2,164 without housing.

$2,336 /mo

Overall, Duncans is 18–26% below the global median across household types. Within North America, costs are well below average (50% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.60 JMD 2,144
$5.69 JMD 898
$18.98 JMD 2,993
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$75.7 JMD 11.9K
$50.5 JMD 7,962
$189 JMD 29.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.14 JMD 1,284
$7.52 JMD 1,185
$9.40 JMD 1,482
Cappuccino
$5.44 JMD 858
$1.61 JMD 254
$7.10 JMD 1,120
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.14 JMD 180
$0.91 JMD 144
$1.53 JMD 241
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.71 JMD 111
$0.53 JMD 83.5
$0.92 JMD 145
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.25 JMD 355
$1.48 JMD 234
$3.87 JMD 610
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.21 JMD 507
$1.67 JMD 264
$6.43 JMD 1,014
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$4.15 JMD 655
$3.03 JMD 478
$6.63 JMD 1,046
White Bread (500g)
$3.73 JMD 588
$3.43 JMD 541
$4.68 JMD 738
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.58 JMD 249
$1.24 JMD 196
$2.40 JMD 378
Eggs
$3.58 JMD 565
$2.55 JMD 402
$4.46 JMD 704
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.50 JMD 1,813
$4.44 JMD 701
$16.79 JMD 2,648
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.21 JMD 979
$2.48 JMD 392
$11.80 JMD 1,861
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.34 JMD 1,631
$3.17 JMD 499
$13.16 JMD 2,075
Apples (1kg)
$6.01 JMD 947
$1.88 JMD 296
$9.32 JMD 1,470
Banana (1kg)
$3.97 JMD 625
$1.60 JMD 252
$5.66 JMD 892
Oranges (1kg)
$7.54 JMD 1,190
$2.59 JMD 408
$14.26 JMD 2,248
Tomato (1kg)
$3.02 JMD 476
$1.25 JMD 197
$9.38 JMD 1,480
Potato (1kg)
$3.32 JMD 523
$1.16 JMD 182
$6.40 JMD 1,009
Onion (1kg)
$2.61 JMD 411
$1.24 JMD 196
$4.11 JMD 647
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.01 JMD 475
$1.24 JMD 195
$3.84 JMD 605
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.43 JMD 226
$0.61 JMD 96.7
$2.14 JMD 338
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.48 JMD 1,494
$8.85 JMD 1,395
$20.21 JMD 3,187
Wine (Bottle)
$11.25 JMD 1,775
$3.13 JMD 493
$21.87 JMD 3,449
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.78 JMD 439
$1.53 JMD 241
$4.90 JMD 773
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.96 JMD 625
$1.56 JMD 246
$6.26 JMD 987
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.27 JMD 200
$0.95 JMD 149
$1.91 JMD 301
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.20 JMD 505
$2.88 JMD 454
$3.84 JMD 606
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.23 JMD 983
$4.51 JMD 712
$7.48 JMD 1,180
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.45 JMD 228
$1.20 JMD 190
$1.67 JMD 263
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$44.1K JMD 7.0M
$44.1K JMD 7.0M
$44.1K JMD 7.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$32.2K JMD 5.1M
$24.7K JMD 3.9M
$37.1K JMD 5.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$171 JMD 27.0K
$128 JMD 20.2K
$212 JMD 33.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$29.64 JMD 4,674
$19.03 JMD 3,001
$47.56 JMD 7,500
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$51.8 JMD 8,166
$33.97 JMD 5,356
$80.3 JMD 12.7K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$13.41 JMD 2,115
$13.41 JMD 2,115
$15.97 JMD 2,518
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$355 JMD 56.0K
$155 JMD 24.4K
$558 JMD 87.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,307 JMD 1.3M
$3,814 JMD 601.5K
$15.8K JMD 2.5M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$23.91 JMD 3,771
$9.57 JMD 1,509
$57.4 JMD 9,050
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.38 JMD 4,949
$15.70 JMD 2,475
$47.08 JMD 7,424
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$78.7 JMD 12.4K
$44.66 JMD 7,043
$95.7 JMD 15.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 JMD 16.3K
$37.94 JMD 5,982
$133 JMD 20.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
9.45
7.5
13

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 26, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Duncans $1,011
Groceries & Markets
$384
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$253
Eating Out
$224
Clothing & Footwear
$107
Sport & Entertainment
$27 *
Getting Around
$17 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $384 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $76 – broadly in line with the North American average.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 99% of cities in North America

Taxi is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Rice is cheaper than 95% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
04:10 4:10 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
5,153
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to JMD – Jamaican Dollar Converter

Jamaican Dollar exchange rates as of October 28, 2026: 1 USD = 158 JMD (1,000 JMD = 6.34 USD). 1 EUR = 176 JMD (1,000 JMD = 5.7 EUR).

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Duncans Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Duncans - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duncans, Jamaica a good value for travelers and expats, and how does it compare to bigger hubs in the region?
Generally, Duncans offers good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a more relaxed pace without the price pressures of bigger cities. The Cost of Living in Duncans tends to be approachable if you choose local services and community-centric options. You can find simple groceries, affordable meals at casual eateries, and modest housing outside the prime tourist areas. Seasonal swings in tourism rarely overwhelm essentials, and short trips to beaches or markets are convenient. For longer stays, prioritize a neighborhood with reliable internet and nearby shops. Tip: Start with a few weeks to test routines and neighborhoods.
What is daily life like in Duncans, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Duncans centers on practicality, slow pace, and getting the most from local options. For housing, start by visiting a few neighborhoods and negotiating with landlords; short-term stays help you gauge comfort and safety. Food is approachable, with fresh markets, roadside helpers, and casual eateries offering Jamaica’s vibrant flavors. Local transport is flexible: route taxis, minibuses, and buses cover the area, while cycling can work for short hops. If you work remotely, seek a cafe with steady Wi-Fi or a small coworking corner. Duncans living cost varies by season and choice. Tip: Start with short visits to map routes and neighborhoods.
How can you budget effectively and find the right neighborhood fit for long stays in Duncans?
Quality of life in Duncans rewards planning and neighborhood fit. Use a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (food, transport) and compare areas by access to markets and beaches. Choose energy-saving accommodations to cut ongoing bills, and lean into home cooking with seasonal produce. To assess neighborhoods, walk through at different times, talk to residents, and note proximity to groceries and Wi-Fi spots. Expect pace shifts with seasons and events, which can affect crowds and transit. Tip: Build a short, flexible plan that lets you try a couple of neighborhoods before committing.
How much does it cost to live in Duncans per month?
Plan for roughly $1,011 a month in Duncans if you’re renting, or around $840 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person’s basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
Does Duncans offer good value for money?
Duncans is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,011. For most residents, that’s a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Duncans?
You’ll want at least $1,517 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Duncans. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What are kindergarten prices in Duncans?
Private kindergarten in Duncans costs about $355 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much should I budget for food per month in Duncans?
Groceries in Duncans run about $384 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city’s overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Is $1,500 enough to live comfortably in Duncans?
$1,500 a month in Duncans? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $1,011, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Duncans expat-friendly?
Duncans works well for expats – there’s a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
Is Duncans a cheap city to live in?
Duncans is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,011, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
How budget-friendly is Duncans for travelers?
Duncans is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,011, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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