Cost of living in Vieques
Vieques, a picturesque island municipality of Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Vieques, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
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 $87, with prices ranging from $64 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.25, with a range between $9 and $12.
- 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
- 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.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $30,000 and $36,000, while a Toyota Corolla is priced around $24,900 to $25,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $300 and $600 monthly.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly fees for international primary schools range from $6,000 to $35,000.
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.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $50 and $120, averaging $81.25.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Vieques offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Vieques are relatively high, reflecting the island's reliance on imports.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices comparable to mainland averages.
Utilities can be a significant expense, particularly for electricity and water, which are higher than average.
Overall, Vieques presents a unique living experience with costs that reflect its island setting and limited local production.
Conclusion
Living in Vieques, Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of island charm and modern amenities. While some costs, such as groceries and utilities, are higher due to import reliance, the overall lifestyle is enriched by the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of the island.
Prospective residents should budget carefully, particularly for housing and utilities, to ensure a comfortable living experience in this idyllic setting.