Las Piedras, located in Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving or investing here.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $30.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $64 to $150.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.25 to $7, imported beer $2 to $6.5, cappuccino $3.86 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $0.75 to $3.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.59 and $3.97 per liter, averaging $1.59.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.4, with an average price of $2.2.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $7.92, averaging $3.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $7 per kg, while oranges range from $2.76 to $6.61 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.52 and $7.32 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $3.49 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.8 and $1.03 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $10, with a cost of $1 to $2 per km and $60 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $30,000 and $36,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $24,000 to $25,000.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1000.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $500.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1500.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $750 to $1200, averaging $975.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $173.54 and $700, averaging $274.48.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $120, with an average cost of $60.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$75.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.75
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.86
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.59
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.20
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.00
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.63
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.91
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$17.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.65
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.94
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$11.40
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.69
Apples (1kg)
$2.20
Oranges (1kg)
$3.57
Potato (1kg)
$3.80
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.56
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.03
Tomato (1kg)
$4.93
Banana (1kg)
$1.70
Onion (1kg)
$2.85
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.70
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.83
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$32,500.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.50
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$60.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$24,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$500.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,500.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$975.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$274.48
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$60.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$81.25
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.80
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$47.50
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$91.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$99.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,500.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5.67%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$470.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$10,400.00
Las Piedras Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Las Piedras offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban areas, with moderate prices for dining and groceries.

Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.

Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for fuel, but owning a car can be a significant investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Las Piedras provides a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining and transportation.

Potential residents should consider housing location carefully to manage expenses effectively.

Overall, Las Piedras is an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Puerto Rico.