Cost of Living in Portmore - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $743 (excluding rent), and $1,126 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,856 (excluding rent), and $2,563 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.71 JMD 751
$3.14 JMD 500
$15.7 JMD 2,499
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$61.5 JMD 9,788
$43.03 JMD 6,851
$123 JMD 19.6K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.64 JMD 1,375
$7.4 JMD 1,177
$10.49 JMD 1,670
Cappuccino
$4.33 JMD 689
$1.25 JMD 198
$7.49 JMD 1,192
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.69 JMD 109
$0.4 JMD 62.9
$1.96 JMD 311
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53 JMD 85.1
$0.32 JMD 50.7
$1.28 JMD 204
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.86 JMD 297
$1.24 JMD 197
$3.1 JMD 494
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21 JMD 352
$1.65 JMD 262
$5.06 JMD 806
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.11 JMD 495
$3.11 JMD 495
$5.07 JMD 808
White Bread (500g)
$3.52 JMD 561
$2.79 JMD 444
$4.78 JMD 761
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.98 JMD 156
$0.98 JMD 156
$2.37 JMD 377
Eggs
$3.56 JMD 567
$2.54 JMD 404
$3.81 JMD 607
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.09 JMD 1,766
$4.4 JMD 700
$23.9 JMD 3,804
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.2 JMD 987
$2.44 JMD 388
$12.2 JMD 1,943
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.56 JMD 1,204
$5.27 JMD 839
$9.55 JMD 1,521
Apples (1kg)
$6.04 JMD 961
$1.89 JMD 301
$9.43 JMD 1,502
Banana (1kg)
$3.12 JMD 497
$1.6 JMD 254
$6.36 JMD 1,013
Oranges (1kg)
$2.92 JMD 465
$1.87 JMD 297
$13.71 JMD 2,183
Tomato (1kg)
$2.95 JMD 470
$1.12 JMD 178
$6.15 JMD 979
Potato (1kg)
$2.03 JMD 322
$1.11 JMD 177
$3.08 JMD 490
Onion (1kg)
$2.02 JMD 322
$1.16 JMD 185
$2.83 JMD 451
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.59 JMD 253
$1.27 JMD 201
$3.94 JMD 627
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.24 JMD 197
$0.62 JMD 99.2
$2.17 JMD 345
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.7 JMD 1,384
$8.7 JMD 1,384
$19.87 JMD 3,164
Wine (Bottle)
$11.06 JMD 1,760
$4.3 JMD 684
$18.43 JMD 2,934
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.76 JMD 439
$1.54 JMD 245
$3.25 JMD 517
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.14 JMD 341
$1.22 JMD 194
$6.11 JMD 973
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.61 JMD 257
$0.9 JMD 144
$2.31 JMD 368
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$61.4 JMD 9,773
$49.11 JMD 7,817
$73.7 JMD 11.7K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.95 JMD 151
$0.95 JMD 151
$1.9 JMD 303
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.25 JMD 517
$2.92 JMD 465
$3.9 JMD 621
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.08 JMD 969
$4.4 JMD 701
$16.12 JMD 2,567
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.03 JMD 164
$0.73 JMD 116
$1.27 JMD 203
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$43K JMD 6.8M
$37.7K JMD 6M
$44K JMD 7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34K JMD 5.4M
$30.5K JMD 4.8M
$38.1K JMD 6.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$160 JMD 25.4K
$128 JMD 20.3K
$211 JMD 33.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.95 JMD 3,495
$18.04 JMD 2,872
$37.32 JMD 5,941
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$52 JMD 8,274
$44.68 JMD 7,112
$63.8 JMD 10.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$13.07 JMD 2,081
$9.33 JMD 1,486
$29.26 JMD 4,657
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$230 JMD 36.7K
$160 JMD 25.4K
$287 JMD 45.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,525 JMD 402K
$955 JMD 152K
$3,820 JMD 608.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$26.12 JMD 4,159
$12.54 JMD 1,996
$43.89 JMD 6,986
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.21 JMD 4,013
$15.43 JMD 2,456
$30.87 JMD 4,914
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$70.1 JMD 11.2K
$61.9 JMD 9,846
$186 JMD 29.5K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$76 JMD 12.1K
$43.69 JMD 6,955
$112 JMD 17.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$310 JMD 49.3K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$223 JMD 35.5K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$667 JMD 106.2K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$606 JMD 96.4K
-
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,675 JMD 585K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,634 JMD 419.2K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,274 JMD 202.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
9.15
6
13
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Portmore - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Portmore compare for value and affordability, and who tends to find it a good fit?
Portmore, Jamaica offers a practical balance for budget-minded travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll find a range of housing options from apartments to family homes that can be more affordable than Kingston’s core and many resort towns, while still keeping city access within reach. The Cost of Living in Portmore, Jamaica sits at a comfortable middle ground, with sensible choices in groceries, dining, and utilities aligned to Caribbean norms. You can expect a laid-back pace, a friendly community, and easy access to beaches and nature, plus options for co-working spaces in nearby Kingston. Tip: test your internet and neighborhood vibe during a first-week scouting plan.
How does daily life work in Portmore for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Portmore centers on practical routines. When you weigh Portmore, Jamaica living cost, you’ll notice a mix of housing options – from compact rentals to family homes – often with flexible leases near shopping centers. Food options include vibrant local markets and approachable supermarkets for staples. Transport relies on minibuses, taxis, or car use; having a vehicle makes trips to Kingston or beaches smoother. For work, you’ll find cafes with wifi and occasional co-working spaces in Kingston-area hubs. The area supports errands and a relaxed, community-oriented pace. Tip: map your grocery and wifi spots before you settle.
What practical budgeting tips and neighborhood fits support a good quality of life in Portmore?
Quality of life in Portmore blends climate, community, and sensible spending. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure, and adjust for seasonal changes in weather and activity. Neighborhoods range from more furnished, family-friendly blocks to quieter suburban streets near the coast; pick a base close to Kingston for work if needed, and test safety, amenities, and wifi reliability. Seasonality affects crowds, market prices, and beach days, so plan trips and shopping around peaks and lull periods. Tip: visit multiple neighborhoods at different times of day to gauge pace and access.
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