Cost of living in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 52% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,088 prices entered by 155 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 35% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 35% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $18 | $28 | - 35% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $11 | $14 | - 20% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $4.73 | $8 | - 42% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $2.22 | $1.54 | + 44% | |
| 12 eggs, large | $6 | $9 | - 31% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $4.95 | $7 | - 29% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $9 | $9 | - 4% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $4.17 | $7 | - 42% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.27 | $3.58 | - 37% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $2.70 | $5.26 | - 49% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $23 | $23 | - 3% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | $1.48 | $4.40 | - 66% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $2.76 | $5.28 | - 48% | |
| Housing | - 56% | |||
| Housing in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 56% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | New York City | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $2,741 | $7,289 | - 62% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $1,868 | $5,182 | - 64% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $304 | $299 | + 2% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $1,716 | $4,249 | - 60% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $1,082 | $2,988 | - 64% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $175 | $272 | - 35% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $44 | $71 | - 38% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | $376 | $509 | - 26% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $200 | $126 | + 59% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $9 | $18 | - 49% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | $19 | $43 | - 55% | |
| Clothes | - 7% | |||
| Clothes in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 7% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | New York City | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $59 | $72 | - 18% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $50 | $52 | - 4% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $149 | $121 | + 23% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $150 | $199 | - 25% | |
| Transportation | - 53% | |||
| Transportation in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 53% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | New York City | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $33,097 | $35,968 | - 8% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $0.84 | $1.00 | - 16% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | $48 | $154 | - 69% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | $41 | $28 | + 44% | |
| Personal Care | - 64% | |||
| Personal Care in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 64% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | New York City | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $9 | $25 | - 65% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $17 | $54 | - 68% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $57 | $265 | - 78% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $10 | $14 | - 29% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $4.09 | $9 | - 56% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $8 | $15 | - 49% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | $3.67 | $9 | - 57% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | $2.97 | $2.16 | + 37% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $25 | $48 | - 48% | |
| Entertainment | - 59% | |||
| Entertainment in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) is 59% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $67 | $111 | - 40% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | $22 | $40 | - 46% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $73 | $541 | - 87% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $89 | $185 | - 52% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $16 | $22 | - 26% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $5.67 | $7 | - 14% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $3.94 | $10 | - 62% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $559 | $1,024 | - 45% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.47 | $1.62 | - 71% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | $47 | $167 | - 72% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $11 | $18 | - 38% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 52% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,088 prices entered by 155 different people.
These prices were last updated on April 30, 2025.
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $24,000 in New York City you would need to make just about $11,417 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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