Cost of living in Puerto Rico: Food, transport, and more

You might think the cost of living in Puerto Rico equals that of the United States since it’s a Commonwealth. However, this doesn’t affect internal matters or life quality on this Caribbean island. Puerto Rico offers visitors and residents regional hospitality, warmth, and all the right conditions to enjoy and live here for long stays. Let’s review the essential expenses you must plan and include within your finances before moving to this region. A single person needs to earn at least $2,000 (€1,900) per month to live in Puerto Rico, and that figure doubles for families of four. Here you’ll find data, prices, and tips so you won’t miss any detail. Discover if your income is enough to relocate to Puerto Rican soil.

Cost of living in Puerto Rico: Housing expenses

Where should you live in Puerto Rico? That depends on your lifestyle, travel purpose, and monthly budget for a sanctuary during your stay. The costs? Costs vary according to the city and neighbourhood.

In San Juan, studio prices start from $1,000 (€950), while in cities like Ponce, they begin around $750 (€713) or less. Usually, apartment rentals don’t include utilities such as water, electricity, or internet, so you must add around $300 (€285) extra to housing costs. In the case of coliving, you rent a private or shared room with access to shared spaces and coworking areas, including cleaning and basic utilities. Below, you’ll see different housing types in Puerto Rico with their estimated monthly ranges: coliving

Housing costs in Puerto Rico

Food expenses in Puerto Rico

Food is another key factor in Puerto Rico’s cost of living. How much money covers a monthly grocery basket? With at least $450 (€428), you can cover essential items. However, the amount varies if you live alone, have dependents, or share costs, as well as according to your personal preferences.

A tip to save without sacrificing taste or quality is to choose local products from Supermercados Econo. They’re cheaper than international brands you find at chains like Walmart. Here are average prices for some basic foods in Puerto Rico:

Food prices in Puerto Rico

If you want tasty tostones, rice with beans, or alcapurrias, visit La Placita de Santurce in San Juan. You’ll find fresh products, daily menus at great prices, and lively evening music. Other great spots for authentic flavours at lower costs are food trucks and kiosks scattered across the cities.

In more formal places, breakfast in budget cafés costs about $8 (€7). Lunch or dinner is around $12 (€11). In pricier restaurants, breakfasts start at $15 (€14), while lunch or dinner for two ranges from $25-70 (€23-66).

Cost of living in Puerto Rico and mobility expenses

For public transport in Puerto Rico, visitors and residents can use the Tren Urbano. It connects San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón, with fares of $1.50 (€1,36) per ride. Locals such as students, seniors, or people with disabilities get special fares. The AMA bus service covers routes across San Juan, Bayamón, Carolina, Cataño, Guaynabo, Toa Baja, Loíza, and Trujillo Alto. Fares range between $0.75-2 (€0,71-1,90).

Taxi companies like Uber operate in metropolitan areas such as San Juan, with costs depending on distance. For example, an 8km trip costs about $8-15 (€7-14). Renting a bike to explore the coast or city is uncommon, but some services start from $25 (€23) per day.

On the other hand, buying or renting a vehicle in Puerto Rico involves the following expenses:

Fuel and energy costs

• Petrol: Since February 2025, petrol costs $0.85 per litre (€0,77).
• Electric vehicle charging: In January 2025, the kWh rose to $0.26 (€0,25). The average monthly cost is $18 (€17).

New car purchase and insurance

• The best-selling car in Puerto Rico in 2024 was the Toyota RAV4, with prices starting from $32,000 (€30.450) for a new model.
• Mandatory Liability Insurance (PLI): It costs around $100 (€95) yearly.
• It’s basic cover for third-party damages. Comprehensive insurance covering collisions, theft, and damages costs $500-1,500 (€475-1.427) per year.

Cost of living in Puerto Rico: Healthcare services

On the island, expatriates—regardless of their migration status—can access public healthcare and receive emergency treatment. However, this depends on available resources. In 2024, Puerto Rico’s government opened a health centre in San Juan for immigrants and uninsured people. Service costs and payment plans adapt to each patient’s financial situation.

Federal programmes such as Medicaid in Puerto Rico help with medical care expenses. However, strict policies mean only permanent residents qualify.

Since the country faces healthcare challenges with infrastructure, resources, and treatment, it’s best to buy private international health insurance before travelling. Check out our article on the best international insurance policies and include it within the cost of living in Puerto Rico as an essential expense. Otherwise, you’ll face these expenses for healthcare services and basic medicines: best international health insurances

Healthcare service costs in Puerto Rico

Over-the-counter medicines:

• Paracetamol (20 tablets): $5 (€4).
• Ibuprofen (20 tablets): $6 (€5.45).
• Antihistamines (10 tablets): $8 (€7).
• Cough syrup: $10 (€9).

Phone and internet services in Puerto Rico

Another essential cost in Puerto Rico is internet and mobile services. This matters even more if you’re a student, remote worker, or digital nomad needing a stable connection. Here are the most popular providers with sample monthly plans and prices:

Phone and internet providers in Puerto Rico

If you don’t want the complexity and commitment of local contracts and promotional rates that increase over the months, but you do need high-speed internet wherever you go, whether for studies, work, or leisure, we recommend Holafly’s monthly plans, which give you coverage not only in Puerto Rico but globally. Our new product connects to the fastest local network as soon as you activate the eSIM after landing. It’s perfect if you’re staying in Puerto Rico for a while and then flying elsewhere. When you return home, simply deactivate it without extra fees and reuse it on your next trip. Holafly monthly plans

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Cost of entertainment activities in Puerto Rico

This Caribbean island has plenty to offer locals and visitors. Therefore, budgeting for cultural and leisure activities forms part of Puerto Rico’s living costs. Let’s check the prices of some common activities as well as tourist highlights:

• Cinema ticket: Around $12 (€11).
• Theatre visit: For example, concerts or shows at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré cost $30-100 (€27-91).
• Streaming platforms: Netflix monthly subscriptions are about $16 (€15). Disney+ costs around $7.99 (€7,30).
• Parque de las Ciencias Luis A. Ferré: Located in Bayamón, it features 25 interactive attractions, some created with NASA and Guinness World Records. Entry starts from $32 (€30).
• Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal: These historic forts in Old San Juan charge around $10 (€9,15) per adult.
• El Yunque National Forest: Entry is free, but some attractions require payment. For example, the Visitor Centre “El Portal” costs $8 (€7). Guided tours start from $25 (€22), depending on duration.

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