Thanks for your question! We have recorded one on supermarket shopping, market shopping and the average monthly cost in Jamaica. Please let us know how you find them. 💯💎✨
I love the way how you explain things but it will go over a lot of ppl heads. I really appreciate your videos and your experience here in Jamaica. All your points are spot on, what I've noticed as well is that the same ppl who complain about Jamaica being expensive eat out everyday 😅. Whenever I drive by I notice all the fast food places are packed not only on weekends but during the week. The KFC, BK and other restaurants lines are wrapped around the buildings or causing traffic 7 days a week. Whenever I hear ppl complain Ignore them because many Jamaicans are living their best life.
Thanks for your feedback. 💎💯 Please elaborate more about the some people understanding. 🧐 Many people fail to realise that, although Jamaica is an Island with a relatively small population, the people are exposed to varying lifestyles. We have noticed the eating out ourselves. Equally, without as many adventurous leisure activities to go out and do (in certain communities), eating out seems to be what some families make their R&R activity. 🤔🧐
@kwailcamp when you compare jobs in Canada, UK and Europe income are low. On the otherhand when compared to other parts of the world income is sometimes high and other times around equal. The economy size plays a significant role in income brackets. The period of austerity to pay off country debt has also slowed income raise. Nevertheless, there has been a shift and increase in income since 2021 to 2025 for many civil servants. Civil servants wages tend to be lower than that of the private sector in every country. It would be great to see how the salary conversation changes as the country's economy grows. The other factor is that in countries with greater income packages, there are other cost increases which still reduce the disposable income available after the package. It is a difficulty one... 💯🎇
I’ve just returned from JA and yes I do think some things are far more expensive than UK, but if you have a fairly good income you can certainly survive.
No it's not. Expensive is relative to ones income and what they purchasing. Locally made foods are not expensive. My niece got her hair wash and braided in Kingston for $15000.00 JD .it would cost $250. USA. Local produce foods are not expensive. Kingston is less expensive than Ochie and Mobay.
The short answer is that Jamaica is expensive for the average Jamaican. Look at what the avg Jamaican makes and compare it to what things cost. 1. JA literally lives on remittance from overseas…the data supports this. That alone is proof that the country is expensive for the avg person without outside help. 2. The 3 largest expenses are food , housing and transportation….can the average Jamaican afford a nice house(not a matches box)….can the average Jamaican afford a car….afford regular groceries. With the exception of groceries the answer is no to the other two questions. Don’t even start with energy costs w/JPS 3. Most of the name brand stuff people wear in JA are fake and cost a fraction of the real thing. The polo, gucci, Nike are mostly knock offs. Certain things costs less relative to US, UK and Canada like beauty services, haircuts, nails, braids but the larger items care expensive relative to income of the avg Jamaican.
@riceandtees Thanks for taking the time to share your views. Firstly, things are expensive everywhere and groups of individuals are finding creative ways to afford their needs and explore acquiring their wants. It's fair to say that Jamaica's pay packages are not equivalent to pay packages in the USA for the same or similar jobs. The same in true when you compare jobs in Canada, UK and Europe and other parts of the world. The economy size plays a significant role in that. Albeit, many Jamaicans have means of supplemental earnings or ways to reduce their provision costs...💯💎 1. Remittance being sent supports some individuals with affording certain things just like credit cards, store cards, overdraft etc support people in countries where remittances tend to be sent from. 2. In the summer holidays we did a full Island tour. The houses we saw in the different parishes we travelled are massive mansions. Like in the USA, UK and Canada there are homes in Jamaica with multiple vehicles and some without. Additionally, Jamaica does not have soup kitchen and food banks, charities that provide groceries for low income families. Yet there is no report of starvation and malnutrition. That would suggest that families are buying groceries and feeding their families. 3. Majority of the name brand items that people wear across the world are 'knock offs' because the labels franchise their brand whilst the 'luxury' items are reserved for selected clientele. Many services and products here are most economical (where they are not imported). When you refer to the average Jamaican, wouldn't the same be true about USA, UK and Canada. In fact, only 50% of Americans are middle class, 30% are working class, 9% are lower class and 11.1% (36.8 million people) live below the poverty line. This is from Pew Research Center analysis of USA government data. Project Fall in Poverty Rate is working to bring the percentage down in Jamaica. In 2023, (same time as the statistics above) it was at 12.3% of the population. This was a decrease after the hick during and immediately after the pandemic. 🤔🧐
@@eileenwatt8283 I guess it depends on what a person values, if amenites(which are vast) , great roads etc then its not worth it. If fresh air, land with fruit trees, veggies, Hot weather, peace... then its worth it.
@MarshaDeans-m4c We agree that some things are indeed more expensive here. 💯✨ However, when you buy local brands the cost for shopping is not significantly more. We aren't aware of what you refer to regarding JPS; please tell us more! 🤔🧐
@Mitzie-E It is surely a matter of what individuals value and what they are willing to make their priority and compromise on. 💯💎 Where are you watching from? 🧐
The term "Expensive" needs to be clearly defined before undertaking an analysis. Folks generally claim expensive when their pocket is low. Same way anywhere else! Think about it!
I live in North Florida, I wouldnt say our pocket is low, and I can clearly see that things are expensive here as well. Most middle /upper middle income people are aware when the "rent is just too damn high"(I mean it figuratively). Only the people who are trying to keep up with the Joneses are in denial. Rich people who are profitting from "the rent being too damn high" also wont see it.
@KattahB People do say the word arbitrarily. Hence why we mentioned it is relative; there are many factors that impact expensive for different groups of people. 👍🏾💯
@Mitzie-E Thanks for engaging with our content. We appreciate your presence in the comment section...🎶🤩 Things are expensive everywhere. People are all looking for the best way to spend their money and make it go further and some people will feel the pressure more than others. It's about looking for best values, spending economically and ensuring that we are keeping up with others. 💯🌟 Are you planning to move to Jamaica any time in the future? 🤔🧐
Its expensive. truly it is. We are just going to have to figure it out, We cannot live in JA, the way we do overseas. It can be a better quality of life in JA though.. plant our own food etc.
@Mitzie-E Indeed some things can be expensive, and one of the way to make it more affordable is definitely through local sourcing and self-sufficiency. 💎💯
Have you done a video yet on how much u spend per month in JA? Would be so helpful 💚!
Thanks for your question! We have recorded one on supermarket shopping, market shopping and the average monthly cost in Jamaica. Please let us know how you find them. 💯💎✨
Buy local, stay away from as many things imported and live simple. I am a minimalist.
imported food are not good for us anyway. Junk!
Agree 100%
@goshen7334 Living simple and supporting local is always a great idea! ✨💎
@Mitzie-E Often times they are... 💯
@ionadavis7373 Thanks for joining in the conversation! 💯💎
Great topic 👏🏿 Miss lady
Thanks! 💎✨
I love the way how you explain things but it will go over a lot of ppl heads. I really appreciate your videos and your experience here in Jamaica. All your points are spot on, what I've noticed as well is that the same ppl who complain about Jamaica being expensive eat out everyday 😅. Whenever I drive by I notice all the fast food places are packed not only on weekends but during the week. The KFC, BK and other restaurants lines are wrapped around the buildings or causing traffic 7 days a week. Whenever I hear ppl complain Ignore them because many Jamaicans are living their best life.
Thanks for your feedback. 💎💯 Please elaborate more about the some people understanding. 🧐
Many people fail to realise that, although Jamaica is an Island with a relatively small population, the people are exposed to varying lifestyles. We have noticed the eating out ourselves. Equally, without as many adventurous leisure activities to go out and do (in certain communities), eating out seems to be what some families make their R&R activity. 🤔🧐
Some things are less expensive, others more. What makes the difference is the income. Our income is terrible.
@kwailcamp when you compare jobs in Canada, UK and Europe income are low. On the otherhand when compared to other parts of the world income is sometimes high and other times around equal. The economy size plays a significant role in income brackets. The period of austerity to pay off country debt has also slowed income raise. Nevertheless, there has been a shift and increase in income since 2021 to 2025 for many civil servants. Civil servants wages tend to be lower than that of the private sector in every country. It would be great to see how the salary conversation changes as the country's economy grows. The other factor is that in countries with greater income packages, there are other cost increases which still reduce the disposable income available after the package. It is a difficulty one... 💯🎇
I’ve just returned from JA and yes I do think some things are far more expensive than UK, but if you have a fairly good income you can certainly survive.
@pauletted8626 The UK groceries tend to be more affordable than USA, Canada and Jamaica. Again it depends on what people prioritise buying. 💯💎
I don’t think it’s too expensive
Most certainly 'expensive' is relative to the lifestyle and things that people feel are necessary for them to acquire. 💯🤩
If you take time to do the analysis, you will quickly realize that Jamaica is less expensive in comparison to other countries.
In many ways it is... 💯💎🎶
I think that to, young people don't want work an help build up economic
@samrichman1145 Sometimes they aren't sure what to pursue and how to get around the gate keeping... 💯
No it's not. Expensive is relative to ones income and what they purchasing. Locally made foods are not expensive.
My niece got her hair wash and braided in Kingston for $15000.00 JD
.it would cost $250. USA.
Local produce foods are not expensive.
Kingston is less expensive than Ochie and Mobay.
@eileenwatt8283 As you mentioned, expensive depends on several factors. Thanks for the examples you provided. 💯💎
The short answer is that Jamaica is expensive for the average Jamaican. Look at what the avg Jamaican makes and compare it to what things cost.
1. JA literally lives on remittance from overseas…the data supports this. That alone is proof that the country is expensive for the avg person without outside help.
2. The 3 largest expenses are food , housing and transportation….can the average Jamaican afford a nice house(not a matches box)….can the average Jamaican afford a car….afford regular groceries. With the exception of groceries the answer is no to the other two questions. Don’t even start with energy costs w/JPS
3. Most of the name brand stuff people wear in JA are fake and cost a fraction of the real thing. The polo, gucci, Nike are mostly knock offs.
Certain things costs less relative to US, UK and Canada like beauty services, haircuts, nails, braids but the larger items care expensive relative to income of the avg Jamaican.
@riceandtees Thanks for taking the time to share your views. Firstly, things are expensive everywhere and groups of individuals are finding creative ways to afford their needs and explore acquiring their wants. It's fair to say that Jamaica's pay packages are not equivalent to pay packages in the USA for the same or similar jobs. The same in true when you compare jobs in Canada, UK and Europe and other parts of the world. The economy size plays a significant role in that. Albeit, many Jamaicans have means of supplemental earnings or ways to reduce their provision costs...💯💎
1. Remittance being sent supports some individuals with affording certain things just like credit cards, store cards, overdraft etc support people in countries where remittances tend to be sent from.
2. In the summer holidays we did a full Island tour. The houses we saw in the different parishes we travelled are massive mansions. Like in the USA, UK and Canada there are homes in Jamaica with multiple vehicles and some without. Additionally, Jamaica does not have soup kitchen and food banks, charities that provide groceries for low income families. Yet there is no report of starvation and malnutrition. That would suggest that families are buying groceries and feeding their families.
3. Majority of the name brand items that people wear across the world are 'knock offs' because the labels franchise their brand whilst the 'luxury' items are reserved for selected clientele.
Many services and products here are most economical (where they are not imported).
When you refer to the average Jamaican, wouldn't the same be true about USA, UK and Canada. In fact, only 50% of Americans are middle class, 30% are working class, 9% are lower class and 11.1% (36.8 million people) live below the poverty line. This is from Pew Research Center analysis of USA government data. Project Fall in Poverty Rate is working to bring the percentage down in Jamaica. In 2023, (same time as the statistics above) it was at 12.3% of the population. This was a decrease after the hick during and immediately after the pandemic. 🤔🧐
Don't pretty it up. Jamaica is very expensive. Supermarket items are more than the UK. JPS tripled electricity since Hurricane Beryl.
Only expensive if you are buying imported stuff. It's not expensive. Jamaica is good value in real estate compare to other islands and Florida
@@eileenwatt8283 I guess it depends on what a person values, if amenites(which are vast) , great roads etc then its not worth it. If fresh air, land with fruit trees, veggies, Hot weather, peace... then its worth it.
@MarshaDeans-m4c We agree that some things are indeed more expensive here. 💯✨ However, when you buy local brands the cost for shopping is not significantly more. We aren't aware of what you refer to regarding JPS; please tell us more! 🤔🧐
@eileenwatt8283 Renting is definitely better value for money here and in some instancing buying property can be, too. 💯💎
@Mitzie-E It is surely a matter of what individuals value and what they are willing to make their priority and compromise on. 💯💎
Where are you watching from? 🧐
The term "Expensive" needs to be clearly defined before undertaking an analysis. Folks generally claim expensive when their pocket is low. Same way anywhere else! Think about it!
I live in North Florida, I wouldnt say our pocket is low, and I can clearly see that things are expensive here as well. Most middle /upper middle income people are aware when the "rent is just too damn high"(I mean it figuratively). Only the people who are trying to keep up with the Joneses are in denial. Rich people who are profitting from "the rent being too damn high" also wont see it.
@KattahB People do say the word arbitrarily. Hence why we mentioned it is relative; there are many factors that impact expensive for different groups of people. 👍🏾💯
@Mitzie-E Thanks for engaging with our content. We appreciate your presence in the comment section...🎶🤩
Things are expensive everywhere. People are all looking for the best way to spend their money and make it go further and some people will feel the pressure more than others. It's about looking for best values, spending economically and ensuring that we are keeping up with others. 💯🌟
Are you planning to move to Jamaica any time in the future? 🤔🧐
@@LifewiddiJamFams Exactly!
Its expensive. truly it is. We are just going to have to figure it out, We cannot live in JA, the way we do overseas. It can be a better quality of life in JA though.. plant our own food etc.
Mainly the imported food are more expensive in Jamaica than overseas.and certainly it's going to be more expensive because importation duties ,
@@omaredwards9298
Any country where isimported will be expensive.
@Mitzie-E Indeed some things can be expensive, and one of the way to make it more affordable is definitely through local sourcing and self-sufficiency. 💎💯
@omaredwards9298 Assuredly; the costs will always be passed on to the consumer. ✨💎
Food is way too expensive
No it's not. Local foods are not expensive.
@@eileenwatt8283
Meat you can buy at local farmers.
Grow your vegetables and fruit trees.
Lots of people living abroad are moving to Jamaica
@dawnwilson7449 It is like that everywhere though, don't you think? 🤔🧐
@eileenwatt8283 Although, that depends on whether or not they are in season and the supply is high in your area or market. 💎
@audreywright7788 Some great suggestions! 💎