Cost of Living in Puerto Rico

If you've ever considered moving to Puerto Rico, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Puerto Rico?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Puerto Rico and whether the reported $2443 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1792.75.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Puerto Rico
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

12.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

60.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7.5 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.25 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

4.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.95 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.35 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.19 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.73 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.53 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.09 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.96 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.52 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

8.65 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.97 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.78 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.17 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.9 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.43 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.16 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.55 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.44 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.65 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

12.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.06 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.98 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.5 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

60.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

5.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.21 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

25.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.95 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

27499.5 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

24386.35 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

225.3 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.13 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

61.37 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

37.2 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

19.22 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

8.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

373.75 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

7836.84 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

45.68 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

47.28 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

82.87 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

98.22 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

809.89 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

512.07 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1466.67 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1049.74 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1605.24 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1301.53 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1792.75 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.76 %

Puerto Rico

How Safe Is Puerto Rico for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Puerto Rico

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Puerto Rico is somewhat safe but you should take precautions on the streets of major cities, and after dark. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatching and keep your valuables safe by your side. Never carry all your money in one place or leave your valuables in plain sight in a car or at a beach when swimming.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Streets are always busy in Puerto Rico and traffic jams are unpredictable. The drivers are, sadly, as bad people tend to describe them: reckless and inconsiderate. There are too many vehicles on the island and the roads are in bad condition. Saying their driving is hectic is an understatement.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are a common occurrence on the streets of Puerto Rico and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. Make sure you don't flash your valuable possessions on the street, or better yet, leave them in your accommodation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Hurricanes are a serious problem here. In September of 2017, Puerto Rico was battered by Hurricane Maria, which caused huge destruction of the infrastructure of the island. This also, later, caused the outbreak of the Zika fever spread by mosquitoes.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Mugging is not altogether uncommon in the streets of Puerto Rico. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorist attacks are likely to happen in Puerto Rico because Puerto Rican terrorists have been active in the United States and Puerto Rico for more than two decades. Due to the island's political status, it is likely that separatist violence will continue. Remain vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are very common in Puerto Rico, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of people trying to distract you. Also, be careful around children as they're probably trying to distract you too - they are skillful pickpockets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Traveling to Puerto Rico is generally safe for solo women, but bear in mind that you should always hike in a company, never alone. Stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Visa requirements for Puerto Rico are the same as for US states. The US is famous for its harsh policy for acquiring a tourist, let alone a resident visa. However, depending on your nationality, it might be easy for you to acquire one. If you're not sure about your visa status, contact your local US embassy for further information.

currency_exchange

Currency

The United States dollar is the official currency in Puerto Rico. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are widely available.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Even though Puerto Rico is a tropical island located in the Caribbean Sea, its climate varies slightly from that of many other tropical islands. Its rainy season doesn't get as much precipitation as many other tropical islands, but it's noteworthy nonetheless.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is a joint civil-military international airport and the busiest airport in the Caribbean region by passenger traffic. It is located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, 5 km southeast of San Juan.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Puerto Rico, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Puerto Rico with other countries

Cost of living in countries