Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Haiti
CapitalPort-au-Prince
Population11.9 million
Area27,750 km² (10,714 sq mi)
LanguagesFrench, Haitian Creole
CurrencyHaitian gourde (G)
TimezoneUTC-05:00
RegionAmericas / Caribbean
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$3,194 (2024)
Inflation Rate26.9% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$54 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend52.4% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)1.0% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

Haiti is generally cheaper than Jamaica, with an overall cost of living that is approximately 20-30% lower.

Quick Facts

Haiti GDP per Capita (PPP)1,819
Jamaica GDP per Capita (PPP)9,526
Haiti Inflation Rate13.4%
Jamaica Inflation Rate3.6%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Haiti

Overview: Haiti vs Jamaica

Haiti and Jamaica are two Caribbean countries with distinct economic profiles. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with a largely informal economy and a significant reliance on foreign aid. Jamaica, on the other hand, has a more diversified economy with a strong tourism sector and a growing services industry. In terms of cost of living, Haiti is generally cheaper than Jamaica, with lower prices for accommodation, food, and transportation. However, Jamaica offers a more developed infrastructure and a higher standard of living, which may justify the higher costs for some expats and visitors.

The cost of living difference between Haiti and Jamaica is significant, with Haiti being approximately 20-30% cheaper overall. This is largely due to the lower cost of accommodation and food in Haiti, as well as the country's lower overall price level. However, Jamaica offers a more developed economy and a higher standard of living, which may make it a more attractive option for some visitors and expats. In terms of specific costs, Haiti is generally cheaper for accommodation, food, and transportation, while Jamaica is more expensive for these categories. However, Jamaica may offer better value for money in terms of quality of life and access to amenities.

Rent & Housing Comparison

ItemHaiti (USD)Jamaica (USD)Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)200400100% more expensive
1BR Apartment (Outside)150300100% more expensive
3BR Apartment (City Center)400800100% more expensive

Food & Dining Comparison

ItemHaiti (USD)Jamaica (USD)Difference
Meal at Restaurant510100% more expensive
Groceries (monthly)508060% more expensive
Beer (500ml)2350% more expensive
Coffee12100% more expensive

Transport Comparison

ItemHaiti (USD)Jamaica (USD)Difference
Monthly Transit Pass1020100% more expensive
Taxi (per km)0.501.00100% more expensive
Fuel (per liter)0.801.2050% more expensive

Utilities & Internet Comparison

ItemHaiti (USD)Jamaica (USD)Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)508060% more expensive
Internet (60 Mbps)203050% more expensive
Mobile Plan1020100% more expensive

Monthly Budget Comparison

Budget TierHaiti (USD)Jamaica (USD)Savings
Budget40060033% savings
Mid-Range8001,20033% savings
Comfortable1,2001,80033% savings

Where Each Country Wins

  • Haiti is cheaper for:
  • Accommodation: Haiti offers significantly cheaper accommodation options, with prices for apartments and houses being 50-100% lower than in Jamaica.
  • Food: Haiti has a more affordable food scene, with meals at restaurants and groceries being 50-100% cheaper than in Jamaica.
  • Transportation: Haiti has lower transportation costs, with taxis and fuel being 50-100% cheaper than in Jamaica.
  • Utilities: Haiti has lower utility costs, with internet and mobile plans being 50-100% cheaper than in Jamaica.
  • Jamaica is cheaper for:
  • Quality of life: Jamaica offers a higher standard of living and better access to amenities, which may justify the higher costs for some expats and visitors.
  • Tourism infrastructure: Jamaica has a more developed tourism infrastructure, with better roads, airports, and tourist facilities.
  • Education: Jamaica has a more developed education system, with better schools and universities.
  • Healthcare: Jamaica has a more developed healthcare system, with better hospitals and medical facilities.

Bottom Line

Haiti and Jamaica offer different value propositions for visitors and expats. Haiti is generally cheaper and offers a more affordable cost of living, but it also has a more challenging infrastructure and a lower standard of living. Jamaica, on the other hand, offers a more developed economy and a higher standard of living, but it is also more expensive. For expats and visitors who prioritize affordability and are willing to compromise on infrastructure and amenities, Haiti may be the better choice. However, for those who prioritize quality of life and access to amenities, Jamaica may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between Haiti and Jamaica will depend on individual priorities and budget constraints.