Cost of living in San Juan
San Juan, the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lively culture. Understanding the cost of living in San Juan is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this Caribbean city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in San Juan, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation. Whether you're planning a short stay or a long-term move, knowing these costs can help you budget effectively.
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 $85, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.75, with a range between $9 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2 to $7, imported beer $3.5 to $6.5, cappuccino $2 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.72 and $3.97 per liter, averaging $2.18.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.75 and $4.4, with an average price of $3.52.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.6 to $7.92, averaging $5.46.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.68 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
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.25 and $1.5, with a monthly pass priced between $25 and $75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.9 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.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $3000, averaging $1766.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $650 to $1500, averaging $838.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1300 to $4000, averaging $2523.08.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $950 to $2600, averaging $1450.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3229.17 to $5381.96, averaging $3888.46.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2152.78 to $3229.17, averaging $2421.88.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $173.54 and $700, averaging $366.69.
- Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $120, with an average cost of $71.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
San Juan offers a diverse range of living costs, with dining and housing being significant expenses. While restaurant prices can vary widely, grocery costs are relatively stable.
Transportation is affordable, especially with public transport options, though owning a car can add to expenses due to fuel and maintenance costs.
Housing in the city centre is notably more expensive than outside areas, making it crucial to consider location when budgeting for rent or property purchases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Juan presents a mixed cost of living landscape, with some areas being more affordable than others. Dining and housing are the primary expenses, but there are opportunities to save, particularly in transportation and utilities.
For those considering a move to San Juan, understanding these costs is essential for effective financial planning. Whether you're drawn by the city's cultural vibrancy or its coastal charm, being prepared for the financial aspects will ensure a smoother transition.