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. That being said, it’s still far from inexpensive. San Juan, in particular, has living costs comparable to those of major cities worldwide, such as Edinburgh and Barcelona. You can expect some expenses, such as housing and imported goods, to be high, whereas local groceries and services tend to be more affordable.

Cost of accommodation in Puerto Rico

You will find a large portion of your salary going 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.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Puerto Rico

Cost of transport in Puerto Rico

San Juan has an efficient but limited metro service, with buses covering areas not served by the metro. Where available, these forms of public transport are cheap and reasonably effective. Owning a car in the capital is largely unnecessary, as you can also make use of taxis and ride-hailing services to make getting around easier.

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 tend to be spotty.

Getting Around in Puerto Rico

Cost of groceries in Puerto Rico

Many foodstuffs available in supermarkets are imported from the mainland USA, and sell for higher prices than you might expect. The price of milk, eggs, and similar local goods is regulated, but they are still not cheap. Price-conscious expats should shop at 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 you might encounter in major cities on the mainland US. The rich cultural heritage of the island ensures that you can always enjoy a local festival or event taking place, only occasionally paying 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 tourist areas, can be on the pricier side, there are plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly options available as well.

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. To discover culinary gems that are both wallet-friendly and authentic, explore beyond the touristy zones.

Cost of education in Puerto Rico

The cost of education in Puerto Rico will vary greatly depending on whether you send your 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 can be pricey.

Education and Schools in Puerto Rico

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.

Healthcare in Puerto Rico