Cost of Living in Puerto Rico

Updated: March 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 12.0 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 60.0 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.73 USD, a loaf of bread 2.53 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.96 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.5 USD and a monthly pass around 60.0 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 225.3 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 37.2 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 19.22 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 373.75 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7836.84 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 45.68 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 82.87 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 809.89 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 512.07 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1605.24 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1301.53 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 1792.75 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 4.76% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing