ðŸ‡ðŸ‡¹ Cost of Living: Haiti vs Jamaica — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
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
Item
Haiti (USD)
Jamaica (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
200
400
100% more expensive
1BR Apartment (Outside)
150
300
100% more expensive
3BR Apartment (City Center)
400
800
100% more expensive
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Haiti (USD)
Jamaica (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
5
10
100% more expensive
Groceries (monthly)
50
80
60% more expensive
Beer (500ml)
2
3
50% more expensive
Coffee
1
2
100% more expensive
Transport Comparison
Item
Haiti (USD)
Jamaica (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
10
20
100% more expensive
Taxi (per km)
0.50
1.00
100% more expensive
Fuel (per liter)
0.80
1.20
50% more expensive
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Haiti (USD)
Jamaica (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
50
80
60% more expensive
Internet (60 Mbps)
20
30
50% more expensive
Mobile Plan
10
20
100% more expensive
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Haiti (USD)
Jamaica (USD)
Savings
Budget
400
600
33% savings
Mid-Range
800
1,200
33% savings
Comfortable
1,200
1,800
33% 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.