Cost of Living in Puerto Rico: How much does it cost, Pros & Cons

Whether you’re planning to move to Puerto Rico for business or pleasure, it’s important to know the cost of living on the island. While the cost of living in Puerto Rica is lower than that of the US, it’s still not cheap. Although Puerto Rico’s economy is projected to contract by about 2% this year, there are still many positive aspects, including low crime rates.

Monthly utility costs for a two-bedroom apartment for two people are approximately $200-300 US dollars. You can choose between several different internet providers for the same price. High-speed internet costs don’t exceed 50 US dollars per month. Public transportation isn’t very good, so you’ll need to rent a car or use a taxi or drive share app.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in San Juan will cost about $310 per month. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable rental, consider renting a two-bedroom apartment in a more affordable area of the island. Aguadilla’s low-cost housing will help you save money while renting a home in Puerto Rico. The island’s average mortgage rate is the same as in the US.

Cost of Living in Puerto Rico

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is lower than in other parts of the U.S., but it is still more expensive than in many other places. Basic items like rice, milk, eggs, and cheese can run you up to $7 a gallon. Meat and poultry cost under $5 per pound. Fresh fruit and vegetables can run you as little as $1 per pound. Although prices may be higher in urban areas, most expatriates say they can live well on less.

While the cost of living in Puerto Rico is slightly higher than the national average, it is affordable for many people. A one-bedroom apartment for two people can cost between 200 and 300 dollars per month. Internet costs are also less than fifty dollars a month. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is $420 per month and a three-bedroom apartment can run up to $640. These costs may seem high, but they are still relatively low.

The cost of groceries and utilities are almost two-and-a-half times higher in Puerto Rico than in the U.S. On the other hand, the cost of housing and transportation is slightly lower than in the US. Health care costs are nearly double the national average, with a 54.6% higher cost of care. Those living in San Juan can expect to spend at least twice as much as they would in smaller towns.

Cost of Living in Puerto Rico – Middle-Class Lifestyle

How much does it cost to live in Puerto Rico?

There are several factors to consider when considering the cost of living in Puerto Rico. First and foremost, the island’s climate is one of the main reasons why electricity in Puerto Rica is roughly double that of the mainland. In addition, utility services are spotty, and much of the electrical grid was destroyed during the 2017 hurricanes. Secondly, rents are still significantly cheaper than they are in the UK or the US, though some specialty items are more expensive.

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is not expensive. Rents for a two-bedroom apartment range from 200 to 300 US dollars and utilities for a family of four usually do not exceed 50 US dollars a month. A monthly electric bill of about $1,500 USD is also quite affordable. Public schools are free to attend, but the language barrier can be a problem. Private schools tend to offer English and/or bilingual education, which are both desirable features.

A two-bedroom apartment in San Juan, Puerto Rico, can cost about 300 US dollars. The cost of childcare in San Juan ranges between 50 and 70 US dollars per month. High-speed internet costs hardly exceed 50 US dollars per month. As with most places, transportation in Puerto Rico can be expensive, but it is still much cheaper than the mainland. Getting around the island is relatively easy, and rents in San Juan are significantly lower than in mainland cities.

Living in Puerto Rico – Grocery Expense – Cost of Living Expenses

Food

• Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district $15
• Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) $7
• 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast $2.91
• 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk $2.17
• 12 eggs, large $2.35
• 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes $3.92
• 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese $4.79
• 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples $3.50
• 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes $3.32
• 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket $2.91
• 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality $12
• 2 liters of coca-cola $1.41
• Bread for 2 people for 1 day $1.62
• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 12.00 $
• Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 55.00 $
• McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 7.00 $
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 2.00 $
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 3.00 $
• Cappuccino (regular) 2.82 $
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 1.26 $
• Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.15 $

Markets

• Milk (regular), (1 liter) 1.70 $
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 2.42 $
• Rice (white), (1kg) 2.06 $
• Eggs (regular) (12) 2.86 $
• Local Cheese (1kg) 7.53 $
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) 8.46 $
• Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 9.57 $
• Apples (1kg) 5.54 $
• Banana (1kg) 2.07 $
• Oranges (1kg) 3.93 $
• Tomato (1kg) 4.59 $
• Potato (1kg) 3.26 $
• Onion (1kg) 2.71 $
• Lettuce (1 head) 2.56 $
• Water (1.5 liter bottle) 1.68 $
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 12.00 $
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 1.95 $
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2.84 $
• Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 10.00 $

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) $47
• summer dress in a high street store (Zara, h&m, or similar retailers) $38
• 1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) $75
• 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes $91

Housing

• Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area $1,582
• Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area $952
• Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 2 people in 85m2 flat $214
• The monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in an expensive area is $792
• Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area $522
• Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio $160
• Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) $42
• 40” flat screen tv $342
• Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands) $120
• Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) $13
• Hourly rate for cleaning help $18

Puerto Rico Cost of Living – Rent, Apartment Tour, and More

Transportation

• Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new $27,472
• 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas $0.84
• Monthly ticket public transport $61

Entertainment

• Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub $42
• 2 tickets to the movies $19
• 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) $100
• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the ex-pat area including appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert $82
• 1 cocktail drink in downtown club $12
• Cappuccino in expat area of the city $3.80
• 1 beer in neighborhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) $4.44
• 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans)
• Ipad wi-fi 128Gb $448
• 1 month of gym membership in business district $35
• 1 package of Marlboro cigarettes $10

Personal Care

• Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) $5.68
• 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) $19
• Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) $50
• 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, …) $9
• Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) $4.00
• Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) $7
• 4 rolls of toilet paper $4.12
• Tube of toothpaste $3.82
• Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city $26

Sports and Leisure

• Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 36.69 $
• Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 17.83 $
• Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 8.00 $

Life in Puerto Rico: Shopping, Cost of Living, and Bizarre Roadkill

Is It Affordable to Live in Puerto Rico?

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not it’s affordable to live in Puerto Rico, you’ve probably been concerned about the cost of living. The island is one of the least expensive places in the United States, but the cost of living in Puerto Rican is higher than in the U.S. Grocery prices are 23% higher than the national average, and the 11.5% sales tax makes groceries even more expensive. And, of course, the cost of healthcare is 55.6% higher than in the United States.

While rent is not overly high, it is not cheap either. The cost of living in Puerto Rico is comparable to that in the US, but it’s not cheap. According to Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey, the cost of living in San Juan is 66th out of 209 cities. This puts it on a par with Amsterdam and Sydney. Although housing costs are higher in the capital, they are much cheaper in smaller cities and outlying areas.

Utility costs are similar to the cost in the US. You can find a decent place for under 400 dollars, but the cost of a large apartment in a city may be over 1000$. While utilities may seem costly, they are not necessarily high compared to the rest of the cost of living in the U.S. Most people use their air conditioner only in the hot summer months. Moreover, salaries are relatively high in Puerto Rico: the average salary here is 1800$ per month.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Puerto Rico?

The average monthly cost of living in Puerto Rico is around $2,500, although it varies from region to region. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Old San Juan is about $400. An apartment in a major city can go up to $800. Food is another large expense, taking up more than 38% of your salary. In general, though, Puerto Rico is not very expensive.

Rent in San Juan is about $400 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. You’ll spend about 200 to 300 dollars on utilities per month. If you’re looking to save money, you should look to rent outside of the metro area. Moreover, rent can eat up your budget. In addition, you’ll need a car to get around. If you’re planning on buying a home, you’ll need at least $2,000 a month.

A monthly utility bill for two people in a two-bedroom apartment in San Juan is about $200-300 US dollars. Internet costs are cheaper in Puerto Rico, too, with high-speed Internet costing just 50 US dollars per month. There are few public transportation options in Puerto Rico, but public transportation is inexpensive and reliable. There are also taxis and drive-share applications that will help you save money.

How to Live Cheap in Puerto Rico

Can you live cheap in Puerto Rico? Living in a foreign country can be frustrating and confusing, but the good news is that there are many things you can do to make life in Puerto Rico as inexpensive as possible. While the cost of housing in the US territory is higher than the UK or US, it is still considerably less than the average American household’s monthly expenditure. Even though the island is a U.S. territory, some parts of the island lack basic infrastructure and are more susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes.

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is considerably lower than in the US, although the island has a poor economy and is suffering from the damage left behind by Hurricane Maria. However, if you’re looking to retire and don’t need to earn a lot of money, this island is a great choice. It’s safe, tropical, has a low cost of living, and generous tax incentives. If you’re a retiree, you’ll find that the cost of living in Puerto Rico is relatively inexpensive.

Before you move to Puerto Rico, you should rent a self-storage unit. You’ll need space to store your household goods while you are settling in. Southern Self Storage offers both temperature-controlled and regular units in several sizes. Its customer service is outstanding and they provide helpful advice and recommendations. While living in the US is expensive, health care costs are affordable in Puerto Rico. The United States is ranked first when it comes to health care costs.

Want to Retire in PUERTO RICO? Cost of Living

Is Puerto Rico Cheap Or Expensive?

If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico on a budget, you may want to avoid the busiest winter months. Spring and summer months are more pleasant than winter, and temperatures rarely rise above the mid-80s. On the other hand, winter months can be dreadfully cold, and travel costs are likely to be higher. But there are ways to cut down on the cost of your stay in Puerto Rica without spending too much.

Although Puerto Rico is generally cheaper than the United States, the island still has some costs. The highest price of living in the 11.5% sales tax. Preparation of food is exempt from sales tax, so you may be able to get a meal for a lot less. You can also find lower-priced restaurants and hotels in the smaller cities. You can also rent a car and drive around the island.

To cut costs, stay in a low-priced hotel. A vacation rental in San Juan can be as low as $16 per day. You can visit historic and cultural landmarks in Old San Juan for as little as $7-15 per meal. You’ll also find plenty of free beaches in the area. Just be sure to check out the prices and ask for recommendations from locals. Many haciendas and Airbnbs offer affordable rooms for a modest fee. You can even try to get a room at a local restaurant.

Is Moving to Puerto Rico a Good Idea?

There are many pros to moving to Puerto Rico, but there are also some cons. For one, the job market is not always as strong as it is in the U.S. For another, it’s impossible to vote in U.S. elections. It may also take longer to find a job than in other U.S. cities. The high cost of living and limited options for vegetarians should be considered.

Before you move to Puerto Rico, you should find a job. If you are younger, you might not have large savings and you will have to ship your items. You can read more about job opportunities HERE. If you’re older, you should start searching for a job at least six months before you depart. If you’re a senior, you can take advantage of the low cost of living in Puerto Rica.

There are also a number of downsides to living in Puerto Rico. People who live in San Juan, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands might want to avoid it. Although there are plenty of benefits, this is not a good place to live if you’re not a fan of crime. The island has a tropical climate and is sunny most of the time. You can work in deck shoes or shorts, and you can enjoy the water all year long.

Pros and Cons of Living in Puerto Rico

The most obvious problem is that the internet is slow in Puerto Rico. While you might be able to get a decent connection in some places, you’ll still have to wait for it to get back up. That’s the only way to avoid losing your data. While the internet is generally reliable, there are a few cons. For instance, local TV stations only broadcast in Spanish. In addition, there aren’t many online stores, and you can’t use your credit card in the stores.

Although the crime rate is down, it’s far from ideal. There are many risks related to extreme weather. In recent years, hurricanes have caused massive damage to the island’s infrastructure. Moreover, gas and groceries are a lot more expensive than in the United States. Additionally, Puerto Rico doesn’t have great schooling and few public schools. Buying a car will also be more expensive than in the U.S.

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is high, but the scenery is stunning. It’s hard to find a place with better weather and climate. Besides, there are plenty of beaches to choose from, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. The weather is unpredictable, so you should be prepared for it. If you’re moving from another country, there are many things you’ll need to consider.

Can You Live on $1000 a Month in Puerto Rico?

Rent isn’t cheap in Puerto Rico, but it’s not as high as you might think. While utilities and groceries are expensive, you can still afford them. The minimum wage in Puerto Rico is around 1100$, so it’s not too difficult to make ends meet. Food is the biggest expense, accounting for about 38% of your income. But don’t worry, it’s still affordable.

The minimum wage in Puerto Rico is just $7.25 an hour. The minimum wage will automatically increase to $8.50 per hour on Jan. 1, 2022, and $9 percent on July 1, 2023. In other words, you can live comfortably on less than $1000 per month. This is not only affordable for those looking to retire, but also for those just starting out.

Rent is another issue that can eat up your budget. Although Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., private insurance is often cheaper and comes with lower co-pays. The average monthly rent is $420 per month, and most other expenses are around $640. That means you need to look for apartments or houses on the outer outskirts of the island.