Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. Like Guernsey, Jersey is a self-governing dependency of the UK. It’s beaches, cliffs, countryside and castles make it a very special place to live. Due to its history and position, Jersey has a combination of English and French cultures.

If you are considering moving to Jersey, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living on this lovely island.

Quick Jersey Facts:

Population: 107,800 (2022)
Official Language: The official language in Jersey is English. However, Jèrriais – a Norman dialect – is also spoken by some islanders, particularly older residents.
GDP Per Capita: £55,910 (2022 estimate)
Post Boxes: The Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope worked for the UK post office. He was sent to Jersey to come up with suggestions on how to improve the UK postal service. He suggested installing the pillar box for posting mail. The first one was installed in St. Helier in 1854 and was green in colour. Pillar boxes or post boxes started to be painted red in 1874.
Currency: Pound sterling, as well as the Jersey pound (£). As of 2024, £1 = $1.30, €1 = £1.19, $1 CAD = $1.78, $1 AUD = $1.93

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Jersey

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest cities around the world and shipping it to Jersey:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,800 - $5,100
Berlin	$2,100 - $2,400	$3,600 - $3,900
Chicago	$2,300 - $2,600	$4,000 - $4,300
Chongqing	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,400 - $4,700
Delhi	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,200 - $4,500
Dubai	$2,900 - $3,200	$4,900 - $5,200
Houston	$2,400 - $2,700	$4,100 - $4,400
London UK	$2,000 - $2,300	$3,500 - $3,800
Los Angeles	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,200 - $4,500
Madrid	$2,250 - $2,550	$3,900 - $4,200
New York City	$2,200 - $2,500	$3,800 - $4,100
Paris	$2,150 - $2,450	$3,700 - $4,000
Phoenix	$2,350 - $2,650	$4,050 - $4,350
Rome	$2,200 - $2,500	$3,800 - $4,100
Shanghai	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,600 - $4,900
Sydney Australia	$3,200 - $3,500	$5,400 - $5,700
Toronto	$2,100 - $2,400	$3,700 - $4,000
Vancouver	$2,200 - $2,500	$3,800 - $4,100
Vienna	$2,300 - $2,600	$4,000 - $4,300

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Jersey Housing Costs

Housing is exceptionally expensive in Jersey, but there’s a good variety of accommodation available, from studio apartments and penthouses to houses and luxury villas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Jersey

1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: £1,200 – £1,500
1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: £1,100 – £1,550
3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: £2,200 – £3,000
3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: £2,000 – £3,000
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: £5,800 – £9,317
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: £5,800 – £10,000

Jersey Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Jersey compare with other countries around the globe.

United Kingdom is 42.9% cheaper
United States is 10.2% cheaper
Canada is 37.4% cheaper
Australia is 25.3% cheaper
France is 54.3% cheaper
Germany is 50.9% cheaper
Spain is 59% cheaper
Italy is 61.7% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share an apartment or house. Jersey one of the most expensive places to live in the world so sharing a flat or a room would be a way of reducing the cost. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate Erasmusu, Facebook, and
Different areas – different prices. Jersey is small – 45 square miles in total – therefore land is at a premium. There’s very little difference in prices of housing. Obviously is you have a property with glorious sea views you’ll pay more but, given the high prices on the island, the percentage increase is minimal.

3. Jersey Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Food, in both restaurants and shops, is expensive. This is due to the fact that Jersey is an island and a lot of food is imported and the other main reason is that it’s ‘Jersey’. The quality of home-grown food and imported food is excellent. The island is known for its fine dining scene and it will not disappoint.

Inexpensive Restaurant: £12.52 – £40.25
Takeout Coffee: £1.97 – £3.58
Bottle of Coke: £1.24 – £1.79
1L of milk: £1.07 – £1.27
Loaf of Bread: £1.21 – £2.55
12 Eggs:£1.67 – £3.76
1kg Chicken: £3.58 – £7.51
1kg Beef: £8.05 – £10.73
1kg Apples: £0.89 – £3.58
1kg White Rice: £1.79 – £3.58

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major countries around the world.

UK restaurants are 24.9% cheaper and groceries are 22.9% cheaper than Jersey.
US restaurants are 3.19% more expensive and groceries are 6.7% more expensive than Jersey.
Canadian restaurants are 30.3% cheaper and groceries are 3.7% more expensive than Jersey.
Australian restaurants are 24.6% cheaper and groceries are 29.9% more expensive than Jersey.
French restaurants are 25.6% cheaper and groceries are 5.2% more expensive than Jersey.
German restaurants are 37.5% cheaper and groceries are 17.2% cheaper than Jersey.
Spanish restaurants are 42.8% cheaper and groceries are 33.5% cheaper than Jersey.
Italian restaurants are 31.3% cheaper and groceries are 15.8% cheaper than Jersey.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know your supermarkets: Jersey has many independently owned grocery stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets and shops which sell health foods and organic foods. Popular supermarkets in Jersey include Waitrose, Marks and Spencer’s and Sainsbury’s.
Find Cheap Eats: Eating out in Jersey is expensive but if you hunt around you may find some good restaurants that offer specials during their quiet periods. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – TripAdvisor, com, Jersey and The Wandering Quinn.

4. Jersey Alcohol Costs

Social drinking plays a large part of life in Jersey. There are many upmarket pubs, clubs and restaurants where you can sit enjoying a drink while soaking up the atmosphere and watching the world go by. Alcohol prices are high but the selection is phenomenal.

Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub:£3.13 – £5.81
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: £3.58 – £7.15
Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket:£1.79 – £2.68
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket:£1.15 – £3.58
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket:£11.63 – £16.10

Source: Numbeo

How to drink for less in Jersey

Look online and keep an eye on the local papers and flyers for cheap drinks, either in supermarkets or in bars, clubs and restaurants.

Bars, restaurants and clubs in Jersey aren’t allowed to offer drink specials, so sadly, there are no happy hours in Jersey. On the other hand, supermarkets are allowed to discount alcohol. Have a look at the following sites to see where to go for a more affordable tipple – The Wandering Quinn, Jersey, Condor Ferries and Yelp.

5. Jersey Transportation Fares

The main form of public transport in Jersey is the bus, which covers most of the island. You can also get around by car, although parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas. There are also a number of taxi companies operating on the island.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult Single Metro – £1.97
One day ticket – £4.02
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – £46.51

Source: Numbeo

How to save money on public transport:

Buy a weekly ticket £18.99 for 7 days of unlimited travel – Liberty Bus
Cycling is also a popular of getting around
Many residents choose to walk to work in St. Helier

6. Cost of Internet in Jersey

Broadband in Jersey is priced at an average of £47.94 per month for 60Mbps (unlimited data, cable/fibre). The most popular ISPs on the island include:

JT – £38.75 per month for 47Mbps
Sure – £43 per month for 100Mbps

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The climate is oceanic, with mild to cold winters and mild to warm summers. The average winter daytime temperature is between 5C and 10C. Summer daytime temperatures average between 19C and 24C and are often windy. The annual rainfall is around 1,000mm with November to January experiencing the most rain.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: £40 – £93
Summer Dress: £26.83 – £54.10
Running Shoes (Trainers): £53.66 – £107.31
Business Shoes: £40.24 – £116.25
Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): £82.27
Deodorant: £4.25
Shampoo: £4.29
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): £2.84
Gym membership: £40.24 – £89.43 per month
Movie ticket: £9.39 – £16.10

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Jersey

Buying a car in Jersey will save you money as there’s only 5% VAT to pay. If you import your car from the UK, you can apply for a UK VAT refund but you’ll pay 5% VAT in Jersey. Obviously, if you decide to take your Jersey-bought car to the UK, you will then be liable for 20% VAT. EU VAT amounts vary from country to country.

You can drive on a UK or EU license for up to 12 months, after which you will need to obtain a Jersey license. This license can be obtained from the States of Jersey Transport and Licensing Department.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Jersey:

Volkswagen Golf:£25,000
1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):£1.49
Other fees (if any):The average monthly cost of running a car in Jersey is £420. This includes insurance, maintenance, fuel and depreciation. Note there is no road tax in Jersey.

Source: Numbeo

Ways to save money driving in Jersey

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Triskel Ride to get around Jersey without breaking the bank.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially as parking can be scarce in Jersey.

Need your car/vehicle moved to Jersey? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping.

9. Taxes in Jersey

There’s capital gains tax or inheritance tax in Jersey The standard rate of personal tax is a low 20% on all income up to £850,000, after that it’s 1%. GST is only 5% on most goods and services. Income from rented property is taxed at 20%. Have a look at Tax Summaries for detailed information on the various taxes in Jersey.

10. Flight Costs from Jersey

If you do make the move to Jersey, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

London: £22
New York: £248
Toronto: £285
Sydney: £485
Paris: £25
Rome: £25
Madrid: £28
Berlin: £30

Other Jersey Relocation Tips

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Jersey but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Relocating to Jersey Alone

Moving is always a stressful time but moving on your own can be exceptionally difficult. The holiday atmosphere in Jersey will help you ease into your new life. Here are a few tips about settling in Jersey.

Meetups: Jersey has many MeetUp groups covering a wide range of activities from surfing to history.
Attend local events: There is always something going on in Jersey and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Trip Advisor, Expedia and Condor Ferries.

12. Moving to Jersey with a Family

Jersey has a lot to attract families. Top of list for most families is the highly successful Jersey Zoo which was started in 1959 by Gerald Durrell in order to try and save threatened species around the world. There are many other activities on the island – museums, hiking, fishing, swimming and surfing to name but a few.

New parents (or parents to be): Check out Mums Net and Jersey Playgroups for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
Live in a family friendly area: Everywhere in Jersey is family friendly.
Find things to do with the kids: Jersey has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Trip Advisor and Condor Ferries.

13. Moving to Jersey for Work

Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

There’s a demand for experienced and skilled people who work in hospitality, tourism, banking, insurance, accountancy, education and healthcare.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary:The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale and World Salaries.
How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Jersey, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start:Jobs in Jersey, LinkedIn, and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Jersey from Australia

There are a few Australians living and working in Jersey so if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size comparison:If you look at the population of Jersey and compare it with cities in Australia, it is slightly bigger than Bendigo.
Join expat groups:MeetUp and Internations offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Jersey.

15. Moving to Jersey from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Jersey. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size:If you compare the population size of Jersey with a city in Canada, then it would be slightly bigger than Milton.
Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process go smoothly. Link up through sites such as Internations and Meetup.

16. Moving to Jersey from the United Kingdom

The way of life in Jersey attracts people from the UK. In fact, there are many working in the city, especially in the service industry, so if you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:

Size: Looking at the population size of Jersey, it equates to the population of the St Helenconurbation in the UK.
Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go to MeetUp and Internations.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Jersey you can start by comparing moving quotes here.

Moving to Jersey? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Jersey

2. Jersey Housing Costs

3. Jersey Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

4. Jersey Alcohol Costs

5. Jersey Transportation Fares

6. Cost of Internet in Jersey

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Jersey

9. Taxes in Jersey

10. Flight Costs from Jersey

Other Jersey Relocation Tips

11. Relocating to Jersey Alone

12. Moving to Jersey with a Family

13. Moving to Jersey for Work

14. Moving to Jersey from Australia

15. Moving to Jersey from Canada

16. Moving to Jersey from the United Kingdom

Other Useful Guides to the UK and the Channel Islands