Puerto Rico🇵🇷
At a Glance
How Puerto Rico compares across key indices
Cost of Living
63 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
39/100
Healthcare
59/100
Quality of Life
153/200
Climate
71/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Puerto Rico
Cost of Living
63
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
21
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
69
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
57
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
San Juan
Cheapest$3,105/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in Puerto Rico — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
39/100
Crime Index
61/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
72/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
28 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 578 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has 1 city with Numbeo data. San Juan has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $3,105. San Juan leads on safety, scoring 33/100. San Juan ranks highest for quality of life at 139/200.
San Juan
$3,105/mo
San Juan
33/100
San Juan
139/200
San Juan
63/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan | $3,105 | 33/100 | 139/200 | 63/100 | 49 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Puerto Rico
Healthcare Index
59/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 83 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Puerto Rico
Pollution Index
49/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 88 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Puerto Rico
Average One-Way Commute
33minutes
Average
Traffic Index
151
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
162
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
7.9kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 47 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Puerto Rico, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico has a cost of living index of 63 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $3,105 in San Juan.
Is Puerto Rico safe for expats?
Puerto Rico has a safety index of 39/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, San Juan scores highest on safety at 33/100.
What is the best city in Puerto Rico for expats and digital nomads?
San Juan ranks highest for quality of life in Puerto Rico, scoring 139/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $3,105/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico scores 59/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Puerto Rico cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Puerto Rico's cost of living is roughly 37% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 79% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Puerto Rico
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.
Learn about our mission