Portmore, Jamaica
Portmore is a major city in Jamaica with a population of 200,000.
Overview
Portmore is a city in St. Catherine with a population of 200,000. Portmore is a major city in Jamaica with a population of 200,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 270 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 31.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Jamaica Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Portmore vs Jamaica Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: J$ 1,080,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 200,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: J$15,000,000
- 1BR Rent: J$40000/mo
Cost of Living
Portmore's cost of living index is 78 (Jamaica average = 100).
| Category | Portmore | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
| Housing | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | J$15,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | J$40000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | J$50,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | J$10,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Portmore:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | J$12000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | J$64 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | J$3000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | J$5000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | J$20064 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Portmore scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Portmore has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Portmore faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by hurricanes.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Tropical storm and hurricane floods.
Extreme summer heat.
Caribbean island with tsunami risk.
Mountainous terrain with landslides.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Follows Caribbean calendar.
Demographics
The population of Portmore is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: STATIN Census (2011)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portmore, Jamaica?
The cost of living index in Portmore is 78, which is Lower the Jamaica national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Portmore?
The median home price in Portmore is J$15,000,000. The housing index is 85.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Portmore is approximately J$40000/mo.
Does Portmore, St. Catherine have income tax?
Portmore is in St. Catherine, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Portmore?
Portmore enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.