The cost of rent in Jamaica is very much dependent on where you live. Here, the saying you get what you pay for really does apply. What’s important to note is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” type of accommodation. As the prospective tenant, you have to assess your needs, wants, budget in order to find a happy compromise that’s right for you.
Renting a house
As far as size is concerned, there’s a lot of flexibility when choosing to rent a house. It’s a great solution for a large family, with plenty of space for children to play. Private parking and garages are also welcome benefits, and most landlords will allow tenants to comfortably take care of pets like cats and dogs. However, renting a house can be expensive, from the actual rent cost, to maintenance and utility bills. There’s also no guarantee that your lease will be renewed at the end of your lease term. Additionally, at any time the landlord can put the house on the market to sell.
Renting an apartment
Depending on the neighborhood, renting an apartment can cost less for the same amount of square footage you’d get with a house. Apartments are generally low-maintenance, and may include attractive amenities, like pools, entertainment areas, and being close to transportation and shopping. However, apartments may come with strict rules such how many people are allowed to live there or visit, and restrictions on having pets. Lack of privacy may also be a concern due to thin walls or proximity to other tenants.
Where to Rent
Kingston: Jamaica’s capital – and largest city – has many housing options ranging from the affordable to the very expensive. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in less than desirable parts of Kingston can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per month. If you’d like to rent in a better location, however, be prepared to pay significantly higher rent costs. A furnished studio apartment in New Kingston can run upwards of $65,000 per month, while a furnished two-bedroom apartment in the Kingston 9 area can cost $90,000 per month.
If you’d prefer to rent a townhouse, be prepared to spend more money than you would renting an apartment and to see figures quoted in USD. You can choose to rent an unfurnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in the Queen Hill area for a cool $95,000 per month. Tenants desiring exclusivity have the option of renting an unfurnishedtwo-bedroom townhouse in the quiet, exclusive Kingston 6 area for US$1,500 a month. These costs may seem steep but think of them this way – you’re also paying for close proximity to supermarkets, banks, hospitals, and other essential services.
Portmore: One of the most densely populated cities in Jamaica, there should be no trouble finding somewhere to rent in the Sunshine City. The housing options in this residential town range from studios and duplexes to detached houses with space outside for kids and pets to play. Compared to Kingston, renting in Portmore is much more affordable (ranging from $20-30k for a one bedroom) and housing tends to come with more options. The downside though is a long and tiring commute into Kingston during peak hours.
Montego Bay: If you want to live in a “good” area in Mobay with access to shopping and entertainment, rent can become quite expensive in this tourist hotspot. In gated communities and upscale areas on the city’s outskirts, it’s not uncommon to see rent costs quoted in US dollars. Locals tend to live in bedroom communities like Cornwall Courts and Mount Salem where a one-bedroom apartment can cost between $25,000-$40,000, and a two-bedroom for around $60,000 per month. For more exclusive areas like Ironshore or the Lagoons in Freeport, a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment can be rented for USD$2,000 or more per month.
Rural areas: Renting in a rural area generally costs less than cities like Kingston and Montego Bay. The downside to that is the relative distance from essential services like supermarkets, hospitals, banks, and schools. Nevertheless, for the cost of a tiny studio in the city, you can rent an unfurnished, two-bedroom, one-bathroom house with a veranda, space for backyard gardening, as well as access to fruit trees. Renting in a rural area is ideal if you like peace and quiet, have your own transportation and don’t want to spend a lot on rent. That being said, there are many upscale enclaves dotting rural Jamaica and those looking to splurge can rent swanky spaces with views of the ocean.