Puerto Rico is a warm and relaxing country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to help you plan your adventure which includes average costs from fellow travelers, hotel rates, food prices, entertainment and sightseeing costs, and transportation, too. It's everything you need to budget wisely and still have an unforgettable time.
How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Rico?
You should plan to spend around $243 per day on your vacation in Puerto Rico. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $64 on meals
- $18 on local transportation
- $277 on hotels
A one week trip to Puerto Rico for two people costs, on average, $3,402. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,701
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,402
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One Month
Per person
$7,290
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,402
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,804
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One Month
For a couple
$14,580
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Puerto Rico cost?
A one week trip to Puerto Rico usually costs around $1,701 for one person and $3,402 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Puerto Rico on average costs around $3,402 for one person and $6,804 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Puerto Rico will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Puerto Rico on average costs around $7,290 for one person and $14,580 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Puerto Rico expensive to visit?
Puerto Rico is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Puerto Rico is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Dominica or Saint Lucia.
With a wide selection of accommodation and activities, Puerto Rico makes it easy for any traveler to find something that fits their budget. You can find budget-friendly hostels in San Juan, while luxury hotels cater to those seeking opulence, with mid-range hotels also available for families and couples.
Puerto Rico can cost as much as you want, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can save you money.
On average, budget travelers spend $110 per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $243 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $506 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Puerto Rico.
For more details, see Is Puerto Rico Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Puerto Rico?
The average Puerto Rico trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Puerto Rico travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Puerto Rico cost?
Puerto Rico on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$58
|
$139
|
$297
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7.26
|
$18
|
$40
|
|
Food 2
|
$27
|
$64
|
$134
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$19
|
$46
|
$105
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
|
$7-22
|
$15-44
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Puerto Rico on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore Puerto Rico for just $110 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
Fortunately, Puerto Rico has a large number of hostels. You'll find the greatest concentration in San Juan.
So, are you average?
Mid-range hotels, well-known restaurants, and visits to museums and attractions with entry fees are common choices for families or couples traveling on vacation. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. Most of these activities cost money, after all, so it's wise to plan for a budget closer to $243 per person each day.
In Puerto Rico, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like San Juan and Bayamon offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Villa Herencia Hotel in San Juan or Hyatt Place Bayamon in Bayamon. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Puerto Rico here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience with top-tier service, be prepared for a daily price around $506. Staying in luxury hotels, dining at fine restaurants, indulging in high-end excursions, and hiring private drivers will push you into the "luxury" bracket. You'll find yourself vacationing among the elite in destinations like San Juan and Ponce. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Discover the Yachting Islands of the Caribbean 2025 - 15 Days - offered by Emerald Cruises.
Accommodation Budget in Puerto Rico
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Puerto Rico can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Puerto Rico for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $277. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $139 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Rico? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Puerto Rico
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $18 per person, per day, on local transportation in Puerto Rico. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Puerto Rico is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
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If you have a car while staying in a larger city, it's wise to confirm the parking arrangements with your hotel before arrival. You may incur parking fees at the hotel or in a nearby garage. Sometimes, parking further from the city center can be a more cost-effective option.
Food Budget in Puerto Rico
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Puerto Rico can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Puerto Rico is $64 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$64
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Puerto Rico is about $64 ($64) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $27 to $134 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Puerto Rico are as follows:
- Breakfast: $12 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $32
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Traditional Puerto Rican food makes use of two major ingredients: plantains and pork. Meals usually include some form of rice and beans in addition to meat. Dishes are generally mild and not spicy, but still very flavorful.
Arroz con gandules: This is the unofficial national dish of Puerto Rico. It brings together many of the island's flavors and is made with rice and pigeon peas that are well seasoned.
Mofongo con camarones: Mofongo is plantains that are mashed, fried, and then mashed again. It is stuffed with shrimp (or some other type of seafood) and well seasoned. This is, perhaps, the most famous Puerto Rican dish available.
Tostones: These twice deep-fried plantain chips are commonly available with restaurant meals. They are best when they are freshly made.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Puerto Rico, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour for $170 details
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour for $179 details
- Elevated Sunset or Night Dinner with Ocean View (4 Courses) for $155 details
- Piñones Bar Crawl and Beach Hop Food Tour with Drinks for $56 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Puerto Rico
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Puerto Rico typically cost an average of $46 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$46
A nice way to explore destinations in Puerto Rico is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Yunque Rainforest River Rope Swing with Waterslide and Beach Tour for $109 details
- Utuado Canyon, River & Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico for $165 details
- San Juan Done Right! - Driving Tour for $65 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Puerto Rico. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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Horseback Riding Tour
$40
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Horseback Riding Tour
$40
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
$75
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip
$100
Nightlife Budget in Puerto Rico
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $15 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Puerto Rico per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Puerto Rico. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour for $112 details
- San Juan: Ron del Barrilito Distillery Tour for $45 details
- Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour for $97 details
Traveling in Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Located in the Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic and west of the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth of the United States. The island is mostly covered in mountains, although it becomes flat along the northern coast. The mountains drop dramatically into the water along the west coast. Most of the shore is covered with sandy beaches which are beautifull places to relax.
The climate in Puerto Rico is tropical marine, with very little seasonal fluctuation. Temperatures are mild and can range from 70 to 90 degrees fahrenheit. Along the northern coast or in the highlands, rainfall is common. The southern coast remains much drier. Puerto Rico may be affected by hurricanes between the months of June through November.
Puerto Rico is the smallest and most eastern island of the Greater Antilles. There is the principal island as well as Vieques, Culebra, Culebrita, Palomino, Mona, and Monito among others. Culebra is mostly covered by a nature preserve and can be reached daily by a ferry from Fajardo. Vieques is gaining popularity as a tourist area, but for now it still remains quite rural. It's about 22 miles long and 4 miles wide.
At A Glance
- Public transportation in Puerto Rico is unreliable and often times nonexistent outside of the major metro areas. The easiest and most convenient way to get around is to rent a car, but if you're hoping to save some money shared taxis may be an option. This system is called publico and operates Monday thru Friday. If you decide to rent your own car, they are available at the airport or from many of the major hotels.
- Spanish is the most common language in Puerto Rico although both Spanish and English are technically the official languages of the island. English is spoken fluently by about 20% of the population as well as most people working in the tourims industry. It is generally respectful and beneficial to try and learn a few key Spanish phrases before your trip.
- Local crafts and souvenirs can be purchased in Old San Juan. There are also town festivals that are hosted throughout the island. These festivals are frequented by local artists and they are a great way to pick up some unique items. Ask for recommendations to find out which festivals are the best. Other popular items to purchare are rum and cigars, which can still be found in San Juan, Old San Juan, and Puerta de Tierra.
- Golf is a popular activity on the island. There are more than 15 champianship golf courses that are within easy access of San Juan. The Trump International Golf Club offers Puerto Rico's first course of legendary proportions. It was designed by Tom Kite and has two championship courses.
- Many visitors enjoy going to a plantation in Puerto Rico. Historically, these plantations produced coffee, sugar cane or tobacco, which were the three main agricultural products of the island. Sugar cane is generally found in the hot, lowlands near the sea while tobacco and coffee are in the mountainous interior.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Old San Juan: This Spanish colonial district of San Juan is found on a small island on the north coast. It remains a major tourist destination as it offers many sights and attractions including forts, fountains and plazas that date to the 17th or 18th century.
Bioluminescent Bays: The bioluminescent bays are found near Fajardo as well as in Vieques. These are a must-see for any trip to Puerto Rico. The bays light up from a microscopic organism that lives in the water and glows as it moves. You can explore the bays with a kayak or boat tour but try and visit during a new moon for the best effect. A full moon makes the lights particularly difficult to see, and sunlight makes it impossible. The most popular biolumicescent bay is in Lajas and it offers visitors information kiosks, restaurants and tours.
El Yunque: Puerto Rico's rainforest is along a mountain and is easy to reach. Be on the lookout for the endangered Puerto Rican parrot and listen for the song of the local Coqui tree frog. The rainforst has many different hiking trails and there's a beautiful lookout point by the Yokahu tower. Also check out La Mina waterfalls where you can swim in the pool at the bottom. Hikes range from short to long so check out a map to decide what you want to do and where you want to go.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.