Cost of living in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, located in the heart of Jamaica, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in this vibrant city is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santa Cruz, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $7.59 on average, with a range between $5.08 and $15.82.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75.93, with prices ranging from $44.29 to $113.9.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.7, with a range between $6.96 and $10.12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.27 to $5.06, imported beer $2.66 to $6.33, cappuccino $1.27 to $6.96, and Coke/Pepsi $1.08 to $1.9.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $2.53 and $5.06 per liter, averaging $4.07.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.85 and $4.88, with an average price of $3.61.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.04 to $6.33, averaging $4.39.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.42 to $9.44 per kg, while oranges range from $1.9 to $13.95 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.27 and $3.16 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.39 to $3.8 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.24 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.95, with a cost of $2.85 to $3.8 per km and $3.16 to $6.33 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $37,965.26 and $44,292.81, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $28,473.95 to $37,965.26.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool ranges from $158.19 to $474.57 monthly, averaging $229.9.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary schools ranges from $949.13 to $9,491.32, averaging $2,126.05.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $126.55 and $240.45, averaging $156.92.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50.94 to $56.95, with an average cost of $53.41.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $18.35 and $37.97, averaging $22.29.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Jamaica are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Jamaica, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Cruz offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable fuel prices and taxi fares.
Housing and utility costs are manageable, making Santa Cruz an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Cruz, Jamaica, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you're considering a move or planning a visit, understanding these costs can help you make informed financial decisions.