Cost of Living in Arecibo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $955 (excluding rent), and $1,446 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,330 (excluding rent), and $2,889 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.19 $12.19

$9.09 $9.09

$27.14 $27.14

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$49.93 $49.93

$125 $125

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.72 $7.72

$12.36 $12.36

Cappuccino

$3.17 $3.17

$1.95 $1.95

$6.84 $6.84

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.51 $1.51

$1.01 $1.01

$2.78 $2.78

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.44 $1.44

$1.02 $1.02

$2.04 $2.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.05 $2.05

$6.16 $6.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.09 $4.09

$3.58 $3.58

$6.65 $6.65

Milk (1 liter)

$1.71 $1.71

$1.56 $1.56

$3.91 $3.91

White Bread (500g)

$3.44 $3.44

$2.26 $2.26

$4.18 $4.18

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.43 $1.43

$2.83 $2.83

Eggs

$3.85 $3.85

$2.01 $2.01

$9.66 $9.66

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.73 $8.73

$3.91 $3.91

$19.64 $19.64

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.73 $6.73

$19.33 $19.33

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.92 $8.92

$8.09 $8.09

$33.45 $33.45

Apples (1kg)

$5.74 $5.74

$3.59 $3.59

$6.83 $6.83

Banana (1kg)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.88 $1.88

$4.35 $4.35

Oranges (1kg)

$3.81 $3.81

$2.7 $2.7

$6.46 $6.46

Tomato (1kg)

$4.02 $4.02

$0.97 $0.97

$8.72 $8.72

Potato (1kg)

$3.94 $3.94

$2.47 $2.47

$4.95 $4.95

Onion (1kg)

$2.98 $2.98

$1.95 $1.95

$5.03 $5.03

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.27 $2.27

$2.02 $2.02

$6.06 $6.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.44 $1.44

$0.71 $0.71

$3.05 $3.05

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.83 $7.83

$13.71 $13.71

Wine (Bottle)

$13.66 $13.66

$12.14 $12.14

$19.22 $19.22

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.4 $1.4

$2.8 $2.8

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.27 $3.27

$2.04 $2.04

$5.11 $5.11

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.05 $2.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.32 $40.32

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.02 $1.02

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$15.14 $15.14

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.93 $0.93

$0.79 $0.79

$0.97 $0.97

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$35.9K $35.9K

$34.9K $34.9K

$41.9K $41.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.4K $24.4K

$30.5K $30.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$181 $181

$80 $80

$700 $700

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$79.8 $79.8

$50.4 $50.4

$161 $161

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70.3 $70.3

$45.22 $45.22

$121 $121

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.77 $40.77

Cinema Ticket

$7.16 $7.16

$6.14 $6.14

$14.32 $14.32

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$475 $475

$303 $303

$606 $606

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,944 $3,944

$34.5K $34.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$44.33 $44.33

$24.63 $24.63

$59.1 $59.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$14.79 $14.79

$69 $69

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90 $90

$59.4 $59.4

$198 $198

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$82.3 $82.3

$69.9 $69.9

$160 $160

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$509 $509

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$396 $396

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,034 $1,034

$591 $591

$1,478 $1,478

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$667 $667

$346 $346

$989 $989

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,314 $3,314

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.17

3.5

7.35

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 22, 2025

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Cost of Living in Arecibo - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Arecibo, Puerto Rico generally offers a balanced mix for those seeking Caribbean authenticity without the price tag of bigger metros. For travelers on short stays, expats working remotely, or digital nomads exploring long-term setups, you will find housing and utilities that feel affordable relative to larger cities in the region, coupled with access to local markets, casual eateries, and natural amenities. You can enjoy a laid-back pace, nearby beaches and mountain scenery, and a strong sense of community in many neighborhoods. The key is choosing a location close to amenities while avoiding peak tourist zones. Tip: plan a trial week to sense the rhythm of the town.

Housing search in Arecibo typically centers on apartments, small houses, or guest suites near town or the waterfront. Walkable neighborhoods let you combine errands with beach strolls, while larger rentals may offer more space. Grocery shopping hinges on local markets, with fresh produce and prepared foods available at a good value. For getting around, you will find buses and taxis, plus informal bike- and car-sharing options that work for short trips; many remote workers favor a cafe or coworking corner with reliable Wi-Fi. In practice, Arecibo, Puerto Rico living cost stays approachable when you tailor your housing search to longer leases and local vendors. Tip: time your shopping to weekly market days and keep a flexible itinerary for weekends.

Quality of life in Arecibo balances outdoor access, a close-knit community, and access to essential services without the hustle of larger cities. To budget effectively, frame your month around housing, groceries, utilities, and occasional leisure. In off-peak seasons you may find smoother access to beaches and quieter streets, while peak weekends bring more visitors to scenic spots. Choose neighborhoods by walkability, proximity to markets, and safety at night, then set a flexible monthly plan that accounts for occasional travel or coworking days. Tip: build a simple envelope system or app-based budget to track recurring costs and adjust as needed.