Calculate and Compare
the Cost of Living in Puerto Rico
The cost of living index calculator compares how far a salary in Puerto Rico goes compared to other U.S. cities. However, it’s not all about dollars and cents when you’re deciding whether to move or stay. As you make your calculation, think about those factors that truly enrich your quality of life: the love of your people, your favorite foods, the vibrant music, or the sky that reminds you that you’re home. This is the moment of truth!
How does it work?
Choose your current state and city.
Adjust the slider to select your current salary.
See the equivalent salary needed to maintain your lifestyle in the San Juan metropolitan area.
NOTE: After entering your current salary and city, the calculator will display a detailed breakdown of products and services (e.g., food, housing, transportation, and more), indicating whether these costs are higher or lower in the San Juan metropolitan area. You’ll see clear percentages for each category, helping you better understand where you might spend more or save when considering a move to Puerto Rico.
Quality
of life
Puerto Rico offers a unique quality of life, full of job opportunities, surrounded by family and friends, with majestic mountains, crystal-clear seas, and skies that invite you to dream. Use this tool to plan your future, understand what you’ll need financially, and start enjoying the unique quality of life that only the island can offer.
What is the cost of living in Puerto Rico?
Although many people think living on the island is expensive, this calculator shows that several cities in the U.S. are actually more costly. It uses quarterly updated data from the Cost of Living Index by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) to compare prices of food, housing, utilities like electricity and water, healthcare, transportation, and other expenses in hundreds of U.S. cities compared to the San Juan-Bayamón-Caguas Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (more information).
What is the cost of living?
The cost of living is the total amount of money needed to cover basic needs in a specific area. This includes housing, food, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, and education. Cost of living index calculators allow for comparisons between different cities, which is essential for making informed decisions.
What is quality of life?
Beyond the economic aspect, quality of life refers to how you feel about living in a certain place. Each individual defines quality of life differently, depending on their priorities, tastes, and values. For some, it’s the warmth of family; for others, it’s the chance to enjoy water sports or do some chinchorreo on a Sunday afternoon.
What can you learn by using the cost of living calculator?
- Housing costs in Puerto Rico: Compare the cost of renting or buying a home on the island.
- Grocery and dining expenses: Discover the price difference between grocery shopping and dining out.
- Healthcare costs: Compare costs for doctors, dentists, and healthcare services in Puerto Rico.
- Utilities and transportation: See how much you’ll spend on electricity, water, gas, and public transportation.
- Entertainment and recreation: This is an essential part of living on the island, and you’ll know how much it costs to enjoy it.
Where does the data come from?
The cost of living calculator on this website uses data provided by the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, processed by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Since 1968, C2ER has published its Cost of Living Index quarterly, which gathers over 100,000 data points from 400 U.S. cities. This data covers six main categories: food, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses. This information allows for accurate price comparisons between Puerto Rico and various U.S. cities, providing reliable data to make informed decisions about living on the island.
Products & Services Used in the Comparison
Steak
Ground Beef
Sausage
Frying Chicken
Chunk Light Tuna
Whole Milk
Eggs
Margarine
Parmesan Cheese
Potatoes
Bananas
Lettuce
Bread
Fresh Orange Juice
Coffee
Sugar
Corn Flakes
Sweet Peas
Peaches
Facial Tissues
Detergent
Cooking Oil
Frozen Meal
Frozen Corn
Potato Chips
Soft Drink
Apartment Rent
Home Price
Total Energy
Phone
Tire Balance
Gasoline
Optometrist Visit
Doctor Visit
Dentist Visit
Ibuprofen
Prescription Drug
Hamburger
Pizza
Fried Chicken
Haircut
Beauty Salon
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Dry Cleaning
Man Dress Shirt
Boy Jeans
Women Slacks
Washer Repair
Newspaper
Movie
Yoga
Tennis Balls
Veterinary Services
Beer
Wine
