Cost of Living in Puerto Rico – 2024
When it comes to the cost of living in Puerto Rico, the income disparity between locals and expats still exists. According to recent data, the median annual salary for Puerto Ricans is around $20,000, while expats and mainland Americans working in Puerto Rico earn significantly higher, with an average annual income of around $70,000.
However, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is generally lower than the mainland United States. Housing costs, in particular, are more affordable, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Juan being around $800 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also relatively lower compared to most major U.S. cities.
That being said, the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and location within Puerto Rico. In popular tourist areas like San Juan and Ponce, prices for dining, entertainment, and certain goods and services can be higher. Additionally, the cost of imported goods and certain food items may be more expensive due to shipping costs.
For an average family or international student living in Puerto Rico, here’s a general guide on essential expenses in San Juan or Ponce:
Renting an Apartment:
- One-bedroom apartment: $700 – $1,000 per month
- Two-bedroom apartment: $900 – $1,400 per month
Utilities (electricity, water, gas):
- Approximately $150 – $300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment
Groceries:
- Basic grocery items for a single person: $200 – $300 per month
- Basic grocery items for a family of four: $600 – $800 per month
Transportation:
- Public transportation (bus/train): $0.75 – $1.50 per ride
- Gasoline: Around $3.50 per gallon
Dining Out:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $10 – $15 per person
- Mid-range restaurant meal: $20 – $40 per person
While the cost of living in Puerto Rico may be lower than the mainland U.S., it’s important to note that salaries and job opportunities can be limited, especially for locals. However, for expats and those earning higher incomes, Puerto Rico can offer a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.
Renting an Apartment
Renting an Apartment:
- One-bedroom apartment:
- Average rent is around $1,800 – $2,400 per month
- Typical range is $700 – $2,750 per month
- Two-bedroom apartment:
- Average rent is around $3,500 per month
- Typical range is $900 – $4,500 per month
- Three-bedroom apartment:
- Average rent is around $3,500 per month
- Typical range is $1,300 – $10,950 per month
Utility Expenses in 2024
Electricity Cost:
The cost of electricity in Puerto Rico can vary based on usage and location.
As of 2024, the average residential electricity rate is approximately $0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)1. The average monthly electric bill in Puerto Rico is approximately $135.25.
Keep in mind that electricity rates may fluctuate, so it’s essential to check with your specific provider for the most up-to-date rates.
Internet Service:
Internet service costs can also vary based on the provider and plan.
Here are some options for internet service in Puerto Rico:
Optico Fiber: Offers plans with speeds up to 4 Gbps starting at $15.00 per month.
AeroNet: Provides fiber internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps starting at $39.00 per month.
Claro Internet: Offers fiber plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps starting at $19.99 per month (bundled with phone service) 2.
Mobile Tariff:
For prepaid mobile tariffs, the cost per minute (excluding discounts and plans) is approximately $0.15.
Keep in mind that mobile rates may vary based on the provider and specific plan.
Transportation
Getting around in Puerto Rico is straightforward and convenient. The local bus system, known as the Tren Urbano, offers several routes. For a single ride on the Tren Urbano, the fare is $1.50. If you plan to use it frequently, consider purchasing a monthly pass for $39.24. Additionally, cycling has become extremely popular in modern eco-friendly cities, and Puerto Rico is no exception. Cyclists can take advantage of the Bici-Tren pass, allowing them to bring their bicycles on the train.
When it comes to taxis, the standard rate is $1.45 per kilometer (km). However, bargaining with taxi drivers is common practice, so be sure to negotiate for the best deal.
For those who own a car, gasoline prices are approximately $0.82 per liter. If you need a car for a short period, renting one for an hour typically costs around $20.
Remember that individual preferences and specific locations may influence these costs. Whether you choose public transportation, cycling, or driving, Puerto Rico offers diverse options for getting around!
Groceries Prices in San Juan
Groceries are generally more expensive in San Juan and throughout Puerto Rico due to factors like imports. Here’s the updated price list for various food items:
- Bread and Cereal Products:
- A loaf of fresh white bread costs approximately $2.39.
- Rice (1 lb) is priced at $2.06.
- A dozen eggs costs around $2.84.
- Dairy Products:
- Dairy products tend to be pricier. For instance:
- Local cheese (1 lb) is approximately $7.53.
- 1 liter of milk in Puerto Rico costs $2.52, compared to the US price of $1.21 per quart (approximately 1 liter).
- Dairy products tend to be pricier. For instance:
- Meat and Poultry:
- Chicken fillets (1 lb) are priced at $8.40.
- Beef round (1 lb) costs around $9.57.
- Fruits and Vegetables:
- Apples (1 lb) are approximately $5.58.
- Bananas (1 lb) cost $2.07.
- Oranges are priced at $3.94.
- Tomatoes cost around $4.42.
- Potatoes are approximately $3.14.
- Onions (1 lb) are priced at $2.74.
- Lettuce (1 head) costs $2.54.
- Beverages:
- A 1.5-liter bottle of water is priced at $1.68.
- A bottle of wine (mid-range) costs around $22.00.
- Miscellaneous:
- A pack of cigarettes (20-pack of Marlboro) is priced at $10.00.
Dining out
Puerto Rico boasts a fabulous food scene. Plenty of wonderful restaurants combine cuisines with flavors and spices from different traditions, such as Mexican, African, and the Americas. Street food is also very delicious and diverse. For an inexpensive restaurant meal or street food, the typical cost is around $5-$15 per person. For a mid-range restaurant meal, the average cost is $15-$40 per person.
High-end restaurant dining can cost $40 and above per person.
Clothing and Shoes
San Juan has shopping malls where you will buy clothes and shoes easily. However, the prices are a bit higher than in the USA. For instance, you’ll be able to buy a pair of Levis Jeans for $60-$90 and a nice dress in H&M for $45. One pair of Nike running shoes will cost between $100-$150 depending on the shoe, and a men’s leather business shoes from brands like Cole Haan or Johnston & Murphy can range from $100-$200 in these malls
Sport and Leisure
The cost of living in Puerto Rico also hinges on what you want to do for sport and leisure. The cheapest leisure activity is the cinema, with one ticket costing $10-$12. The monthly price for a fitness club for one person is around $40-$80. Some budget fitness clubs may charge lower rates ($20-$30 per month). The cost to rent a tennis court for one hour is usually $15-$30, depending on the facility. Some public courts may be available for $5-$10 per hour.
Childcare
If you are moving to Puerto Rico with kids, you first want to know if you can find childcare and how much it will cost.
Childcare Costs:
- The average hourly rate for childcare providers in San Juan is around $18 per hour as of April 2024.
- For a 40-hour work week, the average weekly cost for childcare is $720.
- The average monthly cost for 130 hours of childcare is approximately $2,339.
Kindergarten/Preschool Costs:
- For private preschools or kindergartens, the typical monthly fee is around $365 – $500 for full-day programs.
- Some higher-end private schools like Baldwin School charge much higher fees – their preschool/kindergarten tuition for 2017-2018 was $6,350 per year.
Healthcare
We recommend that expats buy private healthcare insurance in Puerto Rico because public healthcare is a headache due to extreme waiting times. Also, unlike common perception, private health coverage isn’t expensive, and the quality of service is the same as in the USA.
School-age children can be enrolled in a public school, but they should be able to converse in Spanish. Otherwise, the best bet is a private school or an international school. You should be ready to pay between $10,000 to $20,000 per child annually for the international school in Puerto Rico.
Summary of Cost of Living in Puerto Rico
Regarding the cost of living in Puerto Rico, setting realistic goals and a budget is important. Prices will vary based on where you live. For example, renting outside downtown close to Old San Juan is cheaper than living in a luxury apartment by the beach.
Generally, the Puerto Rico indices on cost are lower than in the United States.
Cost of Living
- Cost of living in the United States is 12.2% higher than in Puerto Rico (without rent)
- Cost of living including rent in the United States is 34.4% higher than in Puerto Rico
- Restaurant prices in the U.S. are 33% higher than in Puerto Rico
- Grocery prices in the U.S. are 16.6% higher than in Puerto Rico
Housing Costs
- Rent prices in the United States are 108.9% higher than in Puerto Rico
- Apartment prices to buy are also significantly higher in the U.S. – 62.8% more expensive in city centers and 69.3% higher outside city centers compared to Puerto Rico
Income and Purchasing Power
- The average monthly net salary in the U.S. ($4,537) is 86.5% higher than in Puerto Rico ($2,433)
- However, local purchasing power in the United States is 38.8% higher than in Puerto Rico
Economy and Infrastructure
- The U.S. has a much larger total GDP of $25.4 trillion compared to $113 billion for Puerto Rico
- However, Puerto Rico’s GDP per capita of $35,210 is closer to the U.S. figure of $76,330
- The U.S. has vastly more extensive road and rail networks compared to Puerto Rico
Healthcare
- Puerto Rico has more hospital beds per 1,000 people (3.32) than the U.S. (2.87)
- But the U.S. has more than double the physicians per 1,000 people (3.56) compared to Puerto Rico (1.75)
Other Indices
- The U.S. scores higher than Puerto Rico on indices like political stability, civil rights, and popularity as a place to live
- However, Puerto Rico outranks the U.S. on measures like health and climate
- Puerto Rico also has a lower corruption perception index than the United States
In summary, while Puerto Rico has some economic challenges like lower incomes and higher poverty rates, its cost of living, especially for housing, is significantly lower than the United States mainland. The U.S. has higher scores on many development indices but also higher income inequality.
