Cost of living in Puerto Rico

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is, on the whole, somewhat lower than that of the mainland US. However, it’s still by no means cheap. In Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2024, San Juan was ranked 48th out of 226 expat destinations, placing it on par with large cities worldwide, such as Edinburgh, Scotland and Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain.

Cost of accommodation in Puerto Rico

Expats will find that a large portion of their salary goes towards accommodation in Puerto Rico. Apartments are the most common form of accommodation and are cheaper than freestanding houses. As with most places, housing is priciest in city centres and tends to be lower in outlying suburbs. In addition, smaller cities outside San Juan are generally cheaper than living in the capital.

Cost of transport in Puerto Rico

There is a metro transport system that services parts of San Juan and a bus route that services the rest of the capital. Where available, these forms of public transport are cheap and reasonably effective, and taxis and ride-hailing services can be used as a supplement to get around, making owning a car largely unnecessary in the capital.

Outside of San Juan, driving is more common. Buying a car in Puerto Rico is expensive, and driving can be perilous; road conditions and adherence to traffic laws can be spotty.

Cost of groceries in Puerto Rico

Many foodstuffs available in supermarkets are imported from the mainland USA, selling for higher prices than expats might expect. The price of milk, eggs, and similar local goods is regulated, but they are still not cheap. Price-conscious expats should shop from local markets to get the most bang for their buck.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Puerto Rico

When it comes to entertainment, Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of activities, from its pristine beaches to salsa dancing in San Juan. Cinemas, theatre performances, and local events are fairly priced, with ticket prices often a bit lower than one might encounter in major cities on the mainland US. The rich cultural heritage of the island ensures that there’s always a local festival or event taking place, which might sometimes come with a nominal entry fee.

As for dining, Puerto Rico boasts a rich culinary landscape, blending Taino, Spanish and African influences. While upscale restaurants, particularly in high-tourist areas, can be on the pricier side, there are plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly options available.

Local eateries and family-owned restaurants usually offer delicious traditional dishes like mofongo, tostones or arroz con gandules at more affordable rates than the chic dining establishments in urban areas. It’s advisable to explore beyond the touristy zones to discover culinary gems that are both wallet-friendly and authentic.

Cost of education in Puerto Rico

The cost of education in Puerto Rico will vary greatly depending on whether parents send their child to a public or private school. Public schools are free to attend, but the language barrier can be challenging to overcome for non-Spanish-speaking families.

Private schools are more likely to teach bilingually or in English. While these schools typically offer exceptional facilities and teaching standards, tuition is pricey.

Cost of healthcare in Puerto Rico

Most expats opt to use private healthcare in Puerto Rico. The cost of this is much less than you might expect, though it’s essential to be adequately insured. Health insurance in Puerto Rico is well known for being comprehensive yet affordable.