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Cost of living in Puerto Rico

Compare the cost of your home country to the actual living costs in Puerto Rico, simply select your home currency and see the difference!

All data is kept up to date by local members and actual students. Our latest update was on: 30th of June 2020

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Food Price in $
12 eggs dozen, large 12.50 USD
1 beer pint in local shops, markets 7 USD
1 kg of tomatoes 8.50 USD
Full chicken 2kg 38.75 USD
1litre 100% fruit juice 8.50 USD
1 package of cigarettes imported brands 25 USD
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples 7.50 USD
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality 48.95 USD
2.5 liters of Coca-Cola 0.95 USD
1 Bread loaf standard 9.50 USD
Whole fat Yogurt. 500ml 12 USD
1x6 pack Dardanelle tuna 18.50 USD
Heinz baked beans 1 tin 8 USD
1.5 kg Sugar 10 USD
2 liter cooking oil 20 USD
Yum-yum noodles per pack 2.00 USD
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes 5.50 USD
1 liter milk 8.50 USD
Fast food restaurant large serving/ take away 25 USD
Housing
Utilities per month (water, electricity, gas) for 2 people in flat 165 USD
Wi-Fi monthly fee 8 Mbps (1 month) 145 USD
Laundry detergent (bleach, sunlight liquid, washing surf… altogether) 58.50 USD
House Cleaning fee per day 105 USD
Large Gas heater price range upwards. 200 USD
Original branded Electric Fans 200 USD
Original branded Electric kettle. 120 USD
40 inches Beko flat screen HD TV set 2000 USD
Single bed Blankets 120 USD
Personal Care
Avon for women and men cologne 100 USD
Ladies hair plaiting. 60 USD
Ladies Sanitaryware (Pads and Tampoons) 18 USD
Men's haircut 40 USD
Ibuprofen, Panadol, Grandpa Pain killers box of 12 dosses 24.50 USD
Mobile package local network providers’ talk-time, data and messages 65 USD
1 month of gym subscription. 105 USD
Earphones original (Samsung. iPhone) 90 USD
Unisex Loris perfume 30 USD
Gadgets maintenance and repairs (cellphone, laptops, tablets...) starting price. 100 USD
Smart phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, HTC, IPhone) price range upwards 1000 USD
Laptops (Samsung, Lenovo, Hp, Monster, Dell etc.) price range upwards 3000 USD
Entertainment
Boat cruise with refreshments and finger snacks 120 USD
Go carting 30mins 120 USD
Movie House 3d cinema 30 USD
Summer Festivals (jet, bumper cars, lucky deep ...(per ticket) 15 USD
Photo shoot 120 USD
Cappuccino / expresso/ coffee 12.50 USD
3 course dinner local restaurant two people 96.50 USD
3 course dinner classy, exotic restaurant two people 150 USD
Play station 4 console without games. 2000 USD
Spalding Basketball 200 USD
Original branded Racket and Wilson’s tennis balls 500 USD
Transportation
Taxi fare on average 5-10km 45 USD
Public transport per trip one way maximum fare 30 USD
1 liter petrol/diesel 6.50 USD
1 day rent a car cost 140 USD
Driver’s license 2300 USD
Clothes
1 pair of jeans (Denim or similar) 150 USD
1 pair of men’s formal shoes 215 USD
1 pair original sport/casual shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) 280 USD
1 classy summer dress (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) 135.79 USD
Ladies formal shoes original and durable 120 USD
Back-pack, gym bag (Nike, Adidas, New balance) 150 USD

Budget Summary

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island that, unfortunately, recently was hit by Hurricane Maria, which caused widespread demolition. If you want to save up, most likely you will have to live outside the metropolitan regions. The amount of money you will spend in this country largely dependent on many factors, for example, if you want to live in the so-called Metro area, the rent will eat up your bank. Another thing is transport, in Puerto Rico, it’s really difficult to get around without a car. So think thoroughly about all these factors before you make a decision but if you want to live on a budget, it’s definitely possible also!

Transport

Owning a vehicle in the country means taxes and government fees, and the cost to maintain them is higher given the humidity and the weather conditions on the roads. Gas is slightly more expensive than in the mainland regions. As for public transportation, only the city area offers decent public transportation, but if you need to go outside of that you are out of luck. A one-way ticket for public transport costs USD 1.50.

Restaurants and Drinks

Prices in Puerto Rico are actually higher than in the United States of America. The good thing lies in the fact that you can go to many local kiosks and for USD 2 buy yourself some delicious fritters and soda. There are also many bars offering cheap beers and drinks: there's lots of drinking here since locals enjoy music and drinking on beaches. Domestic beer will cost you only USD 2.

Utility
The power utility company has a monopoly on the country so the utilities are actually through the roof. Internet service is also rather comparably expensive, costing around USD 60 per month for 8 or 10mbps. Electricity is super expensive (near USD 200 for an 85m2 apartment), so most houses don't have air conditioners. and if they do, they're usually located in their bedrooms. Apart from the fact that electricity is so expensive, blackouts are frequent.

Rentals

Compared to everything else, the prices of rent are not exactly through the roof. Of course, they vary from city to city and region to region, but all in all, you’ll be able to get a good place for around USD 400. If you want to go closer to the center of any of the major cities, the prices go up and it will cost you around USD 500 and if you have your family with you a bigger apartment will cost you USD 1000.

Monthly Budget

Those interested in simple living should budget between USD 1500 or less monthly. Generally, this budget allows for bus rides and the occasional taxi, big trips to the marketplace, and a few restaurant meals each month. While you can choose to live in relative luxury, employing full-time housekeepers, commuting by car, enjoying exquisite homes, and consuming imported goods such as lifestyles can easily amount to USD 1800 or more monthly.