Cost of living in Puerto Rico compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 14% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Puerto Rico is 14% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Puerto Rico | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $17 | $22 | - 21% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $10 | $12 | - 17% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $4.53 | $5.99 | - 24% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $2.40 | $1.09 | + 120% | |
12 eggs, large | $7 | $5.73 | + 25% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $4.08 | $4.82 | - 15% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $9 | $8 | + 16% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $3.72 | $4.15 | - 10% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.28 | $2.25 | + 2% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $3.08 | $3.91 | - 21% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $20 | $18 | + 9% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | $1.54 | $3.01 | - 49% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $2.43 | $3.00 | - 19% | |
Housing | - 29% | |||
Housing in Puerto Rico is 29% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Puerto Rico | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $2,558 | $3,000 | - 15% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $1,098 | $2,336 | - 53% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $177 | $241 | - 27% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $1,265 | $2,222 | - 43% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $787 | $1,638 | - 52% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $289 | $172 | + 68% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $37 | $61 | - 39% | |
40” flat screen tv | $279 | $250 | + 12% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $208 | $144 | + 44% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $11 | $15 | - 29% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | $31 | $34 | - 10% | |
Clothes | + 9% | |||
Clothes in Puerto Rico is 9% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Puerto Rico | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $61 | $58 | + 5% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $50 | $50 | + 1% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $132 | $105 | + 26% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $174 | $138 | + 27% | |
Transportation | + 9% | |||
Transportation in Puerto Rico is 9% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Puerto Rico | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $33,377 | $31,214 | + 7% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $0.74 | $0.93 | - 21% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | $100 | $88 | + 13% | |
Personal Care | - 38% | |||
Personal Care in Puerto Rico is 38% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Puerto Rico | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $7 | $9 | - 23% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $8 | $25 | - 68% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $68 | $171 | - 60% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $11 | $9 | + 13% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $5.04 | $5.31 | - 5% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $5.98 | $7 | - 18% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | $3.36 | $5.17 | - 35% | |
Tube of toothpaste | $4.01 | $2.44 | + 64% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $29 | $32 | - 9% | |
Entertainment | - 11% | |||
Entertainment in Puerto Rico is 11% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Puerto Rico | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $59 | $61 | - 3% | |
2 tickets to the movies | $18 | $30 | - 41% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $86 | $239 | - 64% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $72 | $103 | - 30% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $14 | $15 | - 4% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $4.65 | $6 | - 23% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $3.88 | $8 | - 49% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $557 | $458 | + 22% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.67 | $0.52 | + 28% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | $25 | $71 | - 65% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $11 | $11 | + 1% | |
TOTAL | - 15% |

These prices were last updated on July 15, 2025.
Cost of living in Puerto Rico is 15% cheaper than in United States
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