How do you make it?

by Juan
(Tennessee)

Q: Hi, I was considering moving to Jamaica after I have saved up some money as I thought it might be cheaper to live there, but what i found out was interesting.

How could someone afford to live there when the rent is 1,000 plus, cars are more, and food is even more.

I live in America and I am renting an apartment for $550 a month with 2bedrooms and 2 baths....washer/dryer already furnished.

How do the locals survive with prices so high? I'm sure not every city there is like that...but what would be a decently safe city to live in, affordable, and close to the ocean and nightlife?

A: Juan, It sound like you gonna be saving a lot of money...because living in Jamaica is no joke...it is expensive. You are going to need a source of constant income to take care of your needs.

Yes things are expensive there and money goes very fast. But like I said, if you have a source of money flow, you are good to go.

One of the things you could do to alleviate the pressure is build your own house...so you don't have to pay rent.

Another thing you could do is run a business...that will bring you cash flow. In fact, quite a few people come to the island and do this. Make sure you plan this well before you go.

If you are looking for a place to live close to the beach, city, and nightlife, look at areas in and around, Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios.

You ask question, how do locals make it? By survival, my friend...eliminating a lot of things out of their lives that they cannot afford.

Hope this helps