Thanks to gorgeous beaches and beautiful scenery, plus the fact that any U.S. citizen can travel to or live in the country without a visa, Puerto Rico is a popular destination for anyone looking to make a life change.
However, before you decide to move to this island nation, it’s important to take a few things into consideration.
Key Takeaways
- Puerto Rico has a low cost of living and low taxes but few job opportunities.
- The area is lovely, and the weather is warm, but hurricanes can be dangerous. Warm, humid weather also brings bugs.
- The pace of living in Puerto Rico is relaxed, and people are generally friendly.
- Puerto Rican private schools offer excellent opportunities.
- Puerto Rican healthcare is on par with the U.S.
- Puerto Rico has a high crime rate.
- Getting around Puerto Rico can sometimes be challenging.
- The internet is slow and sometimes spotty on the island.
- Puerto Rico is known for its delicious foods from various cultures.
- Because it’s so close to the U.S., traveling to almost any major U.S. city is easy.
Cost of Living
One of the best parts about living in Puerto Rico is the low cost of living.
The cost of rent or a mortgage depends on whether you live in a rural area or a more expensive city area, but most people will only pay between $400 and $800 per month in rent.
Utilities usually only cost about $300 per month, and groceries cost about the same. Gas is also relatively inexpensive.
Although the cost of living is lower, however, the cost of importing or shipping any goods from the U.S. can be very expensive, so you’ll want to try to find anything you need in Puerto Rico itself.
Check out: Pros and cons of living in Arkansas
Taxes
There are no federal or state taxes in Puerto Rico, so you won’t need to pay any income tax.
Puerto Rico’s sales tax is also only 4%. If you purchase a home, you’ll also find that Puerto Rico has lower property taxes than most of the United States.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities in Puerto Rico are limited, and most positions require that you speak Spanish. Many people who move to Puerto Rico either start their own business or work digitally.
25 Top places to see in Puerto Rico
Old San Juan: A historic district with colorful Spanish colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and significant landmarks like El Morro and San Cristóbal forts.
El Yunque National Forest: The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay): Located in Vieques, this bay glows at night due to microscopic organisms, providing a magical kayaking or boat tour experience.
Culebra Island: Known for Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, offering clear waters and white sand.
La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site: A UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the governor’s mansion and historic forts.
Ponce: Known as “La Perla del Sur,” Ponce offers attractions like the Ponce Museum of Art, Parque de Bombas, and the historic downtown.
Arecibo Observatory: One of the largest radio telescopes in the world, offering educational tours and stunning views of the surrounding karst landscape.
Camuy River Cave Park: Explore one of the largest cave systems in the world with guided tours of its stunning underground formations.
Rincon: A popular surfing destination with beautiful beaches, laid-back vibe, and stunning sunsets.
Cabo Rojo: Known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches like Playa Sucia, and the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
Plaza Las Américas: The largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, located in San Juan, offering a wide variety of shops and dining options.
Isla Verde: A popular beach destination in Carolina, offering luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and water sports.
Guanica Dry Forest: A unique ecosystem with hiking trails, bird watching, and beautiful coastal views.
Aguadilla: Known for its beautiful beaches, water park, and the Crash Boat Beach, famous for snorkeling and diving.
Toro Verde Adventure Park: An adventure park in Orocovis featuring one of the longest zip lines in the world and other thrilling activities.
Fajardo: A coastal city offering boat tours, snorkeling, and access to nearby islands like Icacos and Palomino.
Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy: Explore this extensive cave system formed by the Camuy River with guided tours highlighting its impressive formations.
El Morro: A historic fort in Old San Juan with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and informative exhibits.
Gilligan’s Island: A small mangrove island near Guánica, perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing on its clear waters.
La Ruta del Lechón: A famous food trail in Guavate where you can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican roasted pork and other local dishes.
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: Located in Santurce, this museum features a vast collection of Puerto Rican art and rotating exhibits.
San Germán: A historic town with well-preserved colonial architecture, museums, and charming streets.
Caguas: Known for its botanical and cultural gardens, offering insight into Puerto Rican flora and cultural heritage.
Playa Negra: A unique black sand beach on Vieques Island, offering a distinctive and picturesque setting.
Caja de Muertos: An uninhabited island near Ponce, offering pristine beaches, hiking trails, and snorkeling opportunities.
Scenery
Puerto Rico is located on one large island and several smaller islands in the Caribbean. Like most of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers lush green areas, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful beaches.
Anyone who lives in Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy lovely views and colorful sunsets and sunrises.
Homes and buildings in many cities are also quite colorful and feature interesting architecture, so even the most urban areas are pleasant to look at.
Weather
The weather in Puerto Rico is warm and pleasant for most of the year. Generally, temperatures are in the low- to mid-80s, although temperatures rise to almost 90F during August, September, and October.
Temperatures rarely drop below 70F for the entire year.
Although you won’t be cold in Puerto Rico, you can expect many rainy days. Most months experience at least 10 days of rain, and some months, particularly August through December, see upwards of 15 days of rain each.
The islands of Puerto Rico also have a hurricane season that lasts from June to November.
Although not all hurricanes will cause damage, many can be extremely dangerous and can cause flooding, which can lead to property damage and even life-threatening situations.
Bugs
Warm, humid weather means that there are many bugs in Puerto Rico. Mosquitos are common throughout the islands. Midges and black flies are also frequently seen, especially along the coast.
You’ll also most likely encounter sand fleas. These tiny crustaceans are not really bugs at all, but they do occasionally bite.
Slower Pace
Life in Puerto Rico has a slower pace. People tend to be less rushed and more laid back, making for a more relaxed atmosphere.
However, this also means that you might experience longer wait times for repairs or other services.
Friendly People
Most people in Puerto Rico are friendly and welcoming. Even if you don’t know anyone in the area, your neighbors will most likely welcome you and invite you to social gatherings.
This welcoming atmosphere means it’s easy to feel at home in Puerto Rico.
Education
Although the Puerto Rican public school system isn’t the best, there are many options for private schools.
These private schools offer excellent educations, often better than what a student might find at a public school in the continental U.S.
Private schools in Puerto Rico also tend to be less expensive than private schools in the rest of the U.S.
Healthcare
Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S., it has access to the same sorts of healthcare as most of the rest of the continental U.S. Puerto Rico is home to many excellent hospitals, and Medicaid is accepted.
Crime
Puerto Rico has a high crime rate, and many crimes in Puerto Rico are violent crimes, including murder. The murder rating for Puerto Rico is about the same as that of Chicago.
There are also many instances of gang violence. However, you can avoid crime by choosing a safe area to live in, avoiding dangerous areas in cities, and traveling in a group after dark.
Transportation
Public transportation in Puerto Rico is unreliable and limited, so most people prefer to travel by car. However, buying a car in Puerto Rico can be very expensive.
Many people have their vehicles shipped from the U.S. to save money.
Internet
Internet speeds are slow and tend to be unreliable in some parts of Puerto Rico. If you’re living in a more populated urban area, however, you shouldn’t have much trouble with the internet.
If you plan to work online, though, it’s important to factor this into where you decide to live.
Food
Puerto Rico is a blend of many cultures, and these cultures are displayed in the area’s dishes. There are many food options available, and most of the food is fresh and healthy.
Puerto Rico is also known for its excellent coffee.
Proximity to the U.S.
It’s easy for U.S. citizens to travel from Puerto Rico to the U.S. A flight to Florida is only about three hours, and you can travel anywhere in the U.S. from there.
You won’t need a passport to travel back and forth. You also won’t need to exchange any U.S. money, as U.S. currency is accepted in Puerto Rico.
