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 2023, San Juan ranked 44th out of 227 countries, placing it on par with large cities worldwide such as Edinburgh and Barcelona.

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 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. With the use of these, taxis or ride-hailing services, expats can get around the capital without a car.

Outside of San Juan, expats generally drive cars. 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 and go for more than expats might expect. The price of milk, eggs and similar local goods is regulated but high. 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 nights 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, especially on weekends, 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 for expats and visitors 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 at these schools 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 one would expect, though it's essential to be adequately insured. Health insurance in Puerto Rico is well known for being comprehensive yet affordable. 

Cost of living in Puerto Rico chart

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for San Juan in August 2023.

Finding accommodation in Puerto Rico is relatively easy, especially if one plans to rent rather than purchase a home. Most expats go the route of renting, as it's the best way to get to know the island and its various areas as a newcomer.

Types of accommodation in Puerto Rico

The most common type of accommodation in Puerto Rico is apartments. Though these can come either furnished or unfurnished, they're most commonly unfurnished. In some cases, expats may be able to negotiate the inclusion of furniture in a rental at an additional cost. However, it's always best to ask to take a look at any additional furnishings beforehand to see if they're up to standard – furniture that comes with rentals is often outdated and worn.

Other types of housing, such as freestanding homes, can also be found, but there isn't as much of a selection as there is with apartments. Many expats favour luxury gated communities which, while pricey, offers a safe and comfortable stay.

Finding accommodation in Puerto Rico

The easiest way to find accommodation in Puerto Rico is through online classifieds. Many of these are in Spanish, so having a decent grasp of the language will be useful.

Word of mouth is typically the best way to find a good deal. Expats who are already in Puerto Rico should tap into any network they may have there, even if it's just the owner of the hotel they're staying at. Otherwise, expats may want to enlist the services of a real-estate agent, preferably a bilingual one fluent in both English and Spanish.

Renting accommodation in Puerto Rico

Leases

A typical lease length is 12 months. A full inspection of the accommodation is also advised before signing any lease, and if there are any issues that need to be fixed, expats should insist that they are dealt with before the move-in date.

Deposits

The deposit is usually the equivalent of one or two months' rent, but this varies according to the owner. At the completion of the lease, the deposit will be returned in full if the property is left in good condition.

Utilities

Which utilities are included in the rental is up to the landlord, and this should reflect in the price. Expats should be clear on this before signing the lease so as not to accrue unexpected additional expenses.

Expats might struggle to arrange matters of transport and driving in Puerto Rico. Those living in San Juan will be in a better position than most, thanks to the city's compact size and the availability of the only metro in the country.

Public transport in Puerto Rico, outside the main cities, is lacking. During rush hour, larger cities in Puerto Rico experience heavy traffic.

Public transport in Puerto Rico

Metro

Only San Juan has a metro, known as the Tren Urbano. It is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Currently, it consists of one line with 16 stations, but there are plans to expand it in the future.

Bus

The bus is cheap, with San Juan being serviced by Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses. Operating hours and frequency of service vary by route and the day of the week, but generally buses run from around 5am to 8pm or 9pm.

Públicos

Dealing with banking, money and taxes in Puerto Rico is no simple matter. Expats may find that things don't run as smoothly on the island, so it is recommended to approach banking with a bit of patience and persistence.

Healthcare in Puerto Rico is of a high standard, but conditions vary throughout the island. The standard of healthcare is similar to what one would expect in the US, but some areas are better equipped than others. While medical professionals in Puerto Rico are highly knowledgeable, there is a pronounced shortage of doctors as public healthcare is underfunded. Many move over to the US, enticed by the prospect of better pay.

The island is home to dozens of hospitals, not to mention clinics and pharmacies. There are also several hospitals and other healthcare facilities in San Juan that have medical staff on-site around the clock.

Public healthcare in Puerto Rico

Public healthcare in Puerto Rico is managed under a government-run programme. This programme provides medical and healthcare services through contracted private health insurance companies.

The quality of public healthcare is generally good, but due to the shortage of doctors, expats should expect long waiting times even if they've scheduled an appointment in advance. Most expats opt for private healthcare instead.

Private healthcare and health insurance in Puerto Rico

Expats can expect private healthcare in Puerto Rico to be of a high standard, with shorter waiting times. Insurance is recommended. Medical insurance is affordable, especially if an expat has their insurance through their employer. Insurers in Puerto Rico are also typically more open to covering procedures and services that may not have been covered in an expat's home country, like pre-existing conditions. Small co-payments are standard in most health insurance policies.

Health hazards in Puerto Rico

There are no major health risks associated with Puerto Rico. Tap water is considered clean and safe to drink.

Routine vaccinations, such as those for measles, polio, tetanus and others, should be kept up to date, but there are no specific vaccinations required to enter Puerto Rico.

Emergencies in Puerto Rico

In a medical emergency, call 911. Many operators will speak Spanish when answering a call, but a transfer to an English speaker is usually possible. Ambulances are run by private companies and require payment upfront. Health insurance may cover this, but it's always best to confirm this ahead of time in case there is an emergency in future.

Puerto Rico embassies

• Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, Washington, DC, United States: +1 202 778 0710

• United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 9000

• United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 688 5335

• United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6214 5600

• United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000

• United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 8777

• United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 462 6000

Foreign embassies in Puerto Rico

• Canadian Honorary Consulate in San Juan, Puerto Rico: +1 844 880 6519

• British Embassy, Washington, DC (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 588 6500

• Australian Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 797 3000

• South African Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 232 4400

• Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 462 3939

• New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 328 4800

Puerto Rico enjoys a warm tropical climate. With little variation in temperature throughout the year, the mercury never seems to stray far from 85°F (29°C). Due to certain winds, the temperature in the south is usually a few degrees higher than the north, and temperatures in the central interior mountains are typically cooler than the rest of the island.

The hurricane season is between June and November, with the island being subject to severe tropical storms once in about every five years. There's little need to fret as the movement of major cyclones is tracked and can be predicted in advance. That said, it's best to be overprepared rather than underprepared for storms of this magnitude. In case such a storm does occur, it's always a good idea to ensure access to non-perishable food, a few bottles of water and, if possible, a backup generator.

The dry season is typically from December to March, but short showers can be expected throughout the year. This is generally a pleasant period with plenty of sunny beach days.

Puerto Rico is a popular retirement destination for expats, especially US citizens, for its easy accessibility and incredible scenery. For those interested in working in Puerto Rico, the two most common sectors are manufacturing and tourism.

Job market in Puerto Rico 

The manufacturing sector makes up close to half of the annual GDP of Puerto Rico, with pharmaceuticals, textiles and electronics being the major drivers in this sector. Tourism also contributes a large percentage to the island's GDP, along with other service-based sectors such as finance and insurance.

Teaching English is also fairly common for expats, and as salaries are paid in US Dollars, this can be advantageous for expats coming from countries with weaker currencies. 

Finding a job in Puerto Rico 

The internet is a valuable resource for expats looking to work in Puerto Rico. Alternatively, going through an agency might be more reliable. Word of mouth and networking can also be beneficial for those already within the country. US expats will not need a visa to work on the island, whereas citizens from other nations will need work and residency permits to take up employment and live in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican business culture is a unique blend of Latin American characteristics and North American drive. Expats doing business in Puerto Rico should be aware of cross-cultural sensitivity, and maintain an awareness of etiquette and customs. 

• Do be formal at first and don’t use first names unless invited to do so

• Don't expect business meetings to start on time

• Don’t talk about Puerto Rico’s status as a US territory as this is a sensitive and controversial topic

• Do broach small talk conversations with topics like sports and travel

Public schools in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico grants the right to an education to every citizen on the island. To this end, public schools in Puerto Rico provide free and secular education at the compulsory elementary and secondary levels. 

Despite the system being based on the American model, the teaching language in public schools is Spanish. This may be a deterrent for expats with children who are not familiar with the language. English is taught as a second language and is compulsory at all levels. Also, parents should be aware that the quality of public schools varies considerably. Schools in rural areas tend to be extremely under-resourced. 

Private schools in Puerto Rico

Private schools in Puerto Rico are operated by non-governmental institutions. Most Puerto Rican private schools are Catholic.

Expats should be aware that it is illegal for a school to deny admittance based on faith, and therefore being of the denomination is not a requirement for attending a private school in Puerto Rico. Students of different denominations are allowed to refrain from taking part in any religious-based activities at school. 

The language of instruction in Puerto Rican private schools can vary. Some teach bilingually, while others teach in English or Spanish only.

International schools in Puerto Rico

Though there are no foreign-curriculum schools in Puerto Rico, there are a few schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB). Many expat families opt for the IB as it's globally respected and taught all over the world, allowing for easier transfer between schools. These schools are typically expensive, however, so expats should ensure their budget has room for fees and other expenses.

Special-needs education in Puerto Rico

Public schooling in Puerto Rico is underfunded in general, and this is even more apparent in the very limited special-needs provisions offered by the government. That said, there are several special-education schools across Puerto Rico.

Be that as it may, with most education systems worldwide striving towards the integration of special-needs children into mainstream schools, the separate-schooling approach is somewhat outdated and is often thought to hold such students back rather than encourage participation in general society.

Parents of children with special educational needs should rather seek support in mainstream private schools, which are more likely to have appropriate resources and policies.

Tutors in Puerto Rico

Whether a family wishes to hire a tutor to help a child with a particularly challenging subject, prepare them for big exams or assist them with picking up a new language, there are plenty of options to suit parents' needs. Online and in-person services are available, and expats often find tutors to be a great help in easing their children into a new school system. There are a number of reputable online portals and tutoring companies offering their services, or expats can ask around locally for a recommendation.