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:
"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.
"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," said one in Jamaica.
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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 living in Kingston.
"Be careful about who you choose as friends, because the general advice I give is that people will always take your kindness for weakness. NEVER disclose info about yourself. Stay out of people's business and keep people out of yours. After a while you will see that Jamaicans rarely disclose their intentions or plans. They'll be packing their bags to go overseas but they won't tell you until the last moment if they feel the need to. If you're able to, keep guard dogs, don't stop to talk to strangers, don't listen to hard-luck stories, keep it moving, Don't think you can be a saviour because your life will soon become very difficult and uncomfortable - if you want to help, support, reach out directly to charities. Remember. People here adopt the saying that a fool and his money are soon parted. It's possible to have the best life here but you have to know and understand what you'll be getting yourself into. It's not all beaches and sunsets," said one expat in Jamaica.
"Expats in Kingston often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as English is the official language but many locals also speak Patois. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. The climate can also be a challenge, as Kingston is a tropical city with high temperatures and humidity. Finally, the cost of living in Kingston can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," said a person living in Kingston.
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Kingston
- Retire in Kingston Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Kingston
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kingston
- Driving in Kingston
- Cost of Living in Kingston
- Health Care in Kingston
- The Essential Guide to Kingston
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Jamaica
- Best Places to Live in Jamaica
- Guide to Residency in Jamaica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Jamaica 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Jamaica