Pros and Cons of Living in Kingston
Last updated on Mar 18, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Kingston, Jamaica include its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse cuisine. Additionally, Kingston is a great place to experience the Caribbean lifestyle, with its warm climate and friendly people. On the other hand, the cons of living in Kingston include its high crime rate, limited job opportunities, and poor infrastructure. Additionally, the cost of living in Kingston is quite high, making it difficult for many people to afford basic necessities.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kingston?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Kingston responded:
"I personally prefer Kingston, as it has a great vibe, and lots of cultural goings on...the beach areas are great, but I agree with the OP about actually living in say, Ochi...most of these places lack the amenities of Kingston and it can get quite frustrating at times..there's also the tourist factor...one thing that I really appreciate about Kingston is that you're not constantly falling over tourists," wrote one expat in Jamaica.
"Life as an expat was expensive in Jamaica but worth living due to local people, music, food, nature. Working was a challenge due to mentality of people. But at the end everything worked out well . It is a matter of trust!!! I would definitely like to go back even to live for some time. I have also lived in the Bahamas for 4 years before Jamaica. Beautiful place but the people are not that nice towards the expats. Also expensive and all services were over estimated," explained one expat living in Kingston.
"Expats and digital nomads living in Kingston, often like the vibrant culture, friendly locals, and lively music scene. They appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Blue Mountains and stunning beaches. The affordable cost of living, delicious local cuisine, and relatively stable internet connectivity are also attractive features for digital nomads. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the high crime rate and safety concerns in certain areas of Kingston. They might also find the public transportation system to be unreliable and chaotic. The hot and humid climate can be uncomfortable for some, and the limited availability of coworking spaces may pose challenges for digital nomads. Additionally, the slow pace of life and bureaucratic processes can be frustrating for those accustomed to more efficient systems," said one in Kingston.

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What do expats in Kingston appreciate most about the local culture?
"Jamaicans are like every other people. Some you wouldn't want to make friends with, others that you will wonder just how you managed o live your life without having had that person in it. Most Jamaicans are warm, friendly, hospitable and helpful. In the time that I have been here, for the most part I have experienced nothing but warmth in my interactions with people. This is not to say that you will never encounter some mean, bad-minded people, but bad-minded people exist everywhere," said a person living in Kingston.
"Expatriates in Kingston appreciate the vibrant culture, friendly people, and the laid-back atmosphere. They also enjoy the city's rich history, diverse cuisine, and the beautiful beaches. The city's music scene is also a major draw, with a variety of genres from reggae to dancehall. Expats also appreciate the city's vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Finally, the city's tropical climate and lush natural beauty make it a great place to live," explained one expat living in Kingston.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Not getting work done right the first time, and having to wait for things to be done right away," explained one expat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Kingston?
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- What is the average cost of housing in Kingston?
- How do I meet people in Kingston?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Kingston?
- What should I pack when moving to Kingston?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Kingston?
- Will I be able to find a job in Kingston?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Kingston?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Kingston?
- What is the social scene like in Kingston?
- What advice to expats in Kingston have about housing?
- What are medical services in Kingston like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kingston?
- Is the cost of living in Kingston high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Kingston?
- Why do people move to Kingston?