×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Pros and Cons of Living in Kingston, Jamaica | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica

Pros and Cons of Living in Kingston

By Betsy Burlingame

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.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

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.

View More Answers

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

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.

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

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.

View More Answers

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides