Moving to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, also known as 'la isla del encanto' (the island of enchantment), is a small Caribbean island located between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, a widely contested issue for the local population of just over 3 million.

Living in Puerto Rico as an expat

Puerto Rico's proximity to the continental US makes it an attractive destination for American retirees. Many other expats from around the world relocate to Puerto Rico to work in industries such as manufacturing and tourism.

The official languages in Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. Although you can get by without speaking Spanish, learning the basics can make integration into life on the island faster and easier.

Accommodation options in Puerto Rico are plentiful. Buying is possible, but most expats prefer to rent. You can choose between apartments and freestanding homes, with the latter being the more costly choice, especially if you opt to live in a gated community.

San Juan has Puerto Rico's only metro and relatively comprehensive bus, ferry and público networks. If you’re moving to a rural area, the lack of adequate public transport can be a challenge, and most expats who can afford it prefer to drive.

Working in Puerto Rico
Getting Around in Puerto Rico
Expat Accommodation in Puerto Rico

Cost of living in Puerto Rico

The cost of living in Puerto Rico can be quite high, as many goods, such as food and cars, are imported. San Juan is one of the more expensive cities in the region. Accommodation is likely to be your main expense, especially if you decide to live in the city centre.

Living outside the city centre and shopping at local markets for basic goods and fresh produce can help you stretch your budget.

Public healthcare in Puerto Rico is underfunded, leading many expats to opt for private healthcare and comprehensive insurance, even if these options come at a high cost.

Cost of Living in Puerto Rico
Healthcare in Puerto Rico

Expat families and children in Puerto Rico

The education system in Puerto Rico mirrors that of the US, although Spanish is the primary language of instruction at public and most private schools.

You can send your children to international schools, which usually offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification. Expat parents typically opt for this choice because it allows children to easily transfer schools in future should the family move to another country. While this option may be the most convenient and beneficial for children, it does come at a high cost, so you’ll need to account for this in your contract negotiations and budgeting strategy.

Education and Schools in Puerto Rico

Climate in Puerto Rico

The weather in Puerto Rico is warm and tropical, with little temperature variation throughout the year. Thanks to the island’s excellent tracking systems, cyclone warnings are issued well in advance, helping you prepare adequately. The dry season is from December to March, but you can expect a few short showers throughout the year.

Weather in Puerto Rico

Fast facts

Population: 3.2 million

Capital city: San Juan

Neighbouring countries: Located in the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico's neighbours are the Dominican Republic towards the west and the Virgin Islands to the east.

Geography: Puerto Rico is an archipelago made up of the main island and several smaller surrounding islands, only a few of which are inhabited year-round.

Political system: Devolved presidential constitutional dependency

Major religions: Catholicism 

Main languages: Spanish and English

Money: United States Dollars (USD), subdivided into 100 cents. ATMs are readily available throughout most of Puerto Rico, and it's fairly easy to open a bank account.

Tipping: 15 percent is standard, unless included in the bill.

Time: GMT-4

Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Plugs are standard North American plugs with two flat blades.

Internet domain: .pr

International dialling code: +1

Emergency contacts: 911

Driving and transport: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Public transport is sufficient to get around, especially in San Juan, which has a metro. There are also buses, minibuses, ferries, and taxis.