The cost of Living in Puerto Rico in 2023

My husband is retired from USPS so we have federal insurance that we pay around $240 a month for 2 of us. We had BCBS previously but switched to Triple S which is a BCBS company local to Puerto Rico & saved over $220 a month. We pay $7.50 for doctor visits, $25 for ER & nothing is admitted. Prescriptions are $2.00 for most drugs & about $20 to $25 for his insulin. There is time lag to get appt sometimes a couple months, it’s gotten better after COVID but not like states. Dentists are the worst to get appt some offices say 6 months to 1 year for new patients. I’ve been lucky twice with getting next day due to cancellations but had to be ready & arrive in 15 minutes. I’ve had cataract surgery & calcification removed from my shoulder & lucked out twice with quick appt & date of surgery. Hospitals here are beyond freezing & don’t provide nurses aides like states, you have to BYO (blankets, sheets, pajamas). Admissions don’t happen fast enough & my husband has spent over 24 hours waiting for room in local hospital. I can’t speak on bigger hospitals in Metro area.

We rent a 3 bed 1 bath for $500 per month & pay about $45 for water & from $200 to $300 for electric. We spend about $300-$450 per month on groceries. I have gas stove & dryer to try & use less electricity & tend to run a/c more than locals during day.

@Mickael Hello M: Those questions although relevant to any future Expat are not subject to a black and white answer. Best thing to do in my opinion is to travel to the island of PR and visit areas that you may consider living in, consult with the local Realtor they can better advise you of costs of living in those areas. Even better if you can rent a place in PR for  short term and experience the costs yourself. Overall most people in our family that have lived in the island there entire life do pretty well with $2,000.00 per month which cover all costs. Again there are many variables to consider depending on your situation. Hope this helps.

There is a big difference in costs between living locally and the expectations of living as an expat.  Many costs are high and comparable to those in the northeast US.  Food, energy, and transport fall into these categories.  Housing is totally dependent on the level you are looking for.  Newish, modern apartments near the city will again run similarly to a big city in the northeast.  There are lots of much cheaper options in more local neighborhoods.  Property taxes are very cheap, and you don't have heating bills.  You can get by with little or no AC, depending on where you live and if you get a breeze. 

@Mermaidmb Hi there. You mentioned Triple S and from what hearing from around the island is that it provides good to excellent service. If you don't mind me asking, which coverage do you have them?

Thank you and best wishes.

Mia

I want to take advantage of ACT 60 which requires buying a house within 2 yrs. So im looking at land to buy and build one. Anyone have any experience to share or advice on this topic? Currently looking at land very close to Caguas. 36 min to San Juan Beaches when there is no rush hour albeit. Seems to have all the USA Stores like Home Depot etc etc. Any advice is welcome.

@Mia Ballester we have Federal as my husband is retired from USPS. It’s much better coverage than what BCBS was & Triple-S is subsidiary of it. My copays are practically nothing for prescriptions. I just had retinal surgery & I only paid $75 for it. I would have paid $200 or more.

@Mermaidmb

I have been living in South East Asia and Central and South America since 2013 and find it hard doing border runs cause I am getting on in age and that to get a resident visa is complicated and am from the States so thinking that without visa worries  and living on an Island close to the States sounds good but am having difficulties finding studio or one bedroom apartments  for under $500 a month. I am looking into Rio Marr for it's laid back living. In what area do you rent that's close to what I need on a fixed income

Rio Mar is in the middle of the tourist region, so rents sub $500 are rare.  A lot depends on the level of accommodation you are looking for.   You may find a small house in need of some "fixing" not far in some of the "Urbanizations" not far from the Rio Mar resort.  Point2homes.com is a good real estate site to visit. 

Clasificadosonline.com is another good source for less-expensive items.