How Much Does It Cost To Go To Puerto Rico For Vacation? (2024)

There is a lot to consider when budgeting for your trip to Puerto Rico.

The average cost for a solo traveler taking a one-week vacation is under $1,500 USD.

As someone who grew up visiting the island every summer, I have a good idea of what it will cost to visit. 

In this article, I will discuss how much it costs to vacation to Puerto Rico:

Is Puerto Rico an expensive vacation destination?
When is the cheapest time to go to Puerto Rico?
Is food expensive in Puerto Rico?
How much is the average trip to Puerto Rico?
How much is a trip to Puerto Rico for 4 days?
What are the best ways to save money in Puerto Rico?

 

Is Puerto Rico an expensive vacation destination?

Puerto Rico is not the cheapest place to visit in Latin America, but for United States residents, it is one of the cheapest places to visit in the Caribbean. 

image of the Survival Beach
Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so residents do not have to pay for international flights or for passports to enter the island.

This makes the cost of travel much cheaper.

The cost of living in the mainland United States is 17% higher than that of Puerto Rico, so you are much more likely to find budget-friendly vacation rentals. 

image of the pool in Marriott Hotel, Caroilina, PR
Pool at the Marriott Hotel. Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is known for its luxury condos, resorts, and beachside hotels, which can be a bit pricey.

What’s nice about the luxury, is that you are guaranteed regulations on building upkeep, drinking water quality, and other modern amenities, giving you peace of mind. 

 

When is the cheapest time to go to Puerto Rico?

From April to October is when it is cheapest to travel to PR.

image of Pata Prieta Beach
Pata Prieta Beach. Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Locals are traveling around the island as well, so the beaches, hotels, and vacation rentals can be more expensive and hard to come by. 

Most non-local travel happens in the winter between November and March.

You can expect ticket prices to be more expensive during those times, especially on or around holidays. 

image showing how summer looks like in Puerto Rico
Flamboyan trees blooming in Summer months.

It’s a bit of a catch-22: you can save on either tickets or your place to stay depending on whether you come during the on or off-season. 

If you plan your vacation a bit in advance, you just might be able to save on both.

 

Is food expensive in Puerto Rico?

Food in Puerto Rico is pretty much on par with how much it costs in the mainland United States.

There are plenty of street food options and kiosks by beaches that are decently priced all over the island.  

image of Puerto Rican dishes
Typical Puerto Rican foods.

Another plus is that you can find your favorite comfort foods in PR, as well as many fast food restaurants where the prices are pretty standard and predictable.

You can always save money on food by cooking your own meals wherever you are staying and buying from the grocery store.

You can find locally grown produce for a steal of a price!

Check out a farmer’s market in San Sebastián in the video below:

 

How much is the average trip to Puerto Rico?

The average cost for one person is around $1,300 for seven days. The average cost for a couple for seven days is about $2,300.

image of a street in Old San Juan, PR
Street view in Old San Juan.

For a family of four to travel for the week it comes out to about $4,400.

Domestic US flights are on average about $150 and international flights are on average $500. Hotels and vacation rentals can cost between $45-$210 per night with the average being around $80.

A good budget for transportation and restaurant funds would be between $30-$70 per person per day. 

If you plan to spend about $180 per person per day on your trip, you should be able to have enough budgeted for all there is to experience in Puerto Rico!

 

How much is a trip to Puerto Rico for 4 days?

A trip for 4 days for one person is about $600. For 2 people it would be about $1,200. For a family of 4, that would be about $2,400.

image of Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.

Prices vary for plane tickets depending on if you’re traveling domestically from the US or internationally.

According research conducted by Google, it is cheapest to fly on a weekday vs. a weekend if you are looking to save money on your flight.

 

What are the best ways to save money in Puerto Rico?

Try going to the less commercialized beaches, instead of paid beaches, like Playa Azul in Luquillo. 

Playa Azul.

I don’t suggest this if you are bringing children, but if you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of adults, you can save loads of money just by sacrificing a shower and a lifeguard. 

Camping is a great way to save money and experience PR in a different way! 

There are plenty of campgrounds around the island that are much cheaper to stay at than a hotel, and some even come with amenities like a shower and fire pits/outdoor kitchens.

image of Luquillo Kiosks in Puerto Rico
Luquillo Kiosks in Puerto Rico.

You can also save loads of money by eating locally. There are many kiosks around the island that serve heaping portions of BBQ and rice for as little as $5 a serving! 

Plus, you would be supporting small businesses; it’s a win-win! If you plan a longer trip you can save more money.

One person traveling alone for one week can have a higher daily budget than two people traveling for one month.

 

Final thoughts

If you’re planning your vacation now, you should consider giving Puerto Rico a visit!

Puerto Rico is much cheaper than taking a vacation in the mainland US; from food to lodgings, Puerto Rico is an affordable option for any budget. 

Make sure you read our other article is Puerto Rico safe for tourists?

Also, check out our article about the 15 best outdoor activities in Puerto Rico.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Puerto Rico For Vacation? (2024)
Article by

Jenny Diaz

Writer at PuertoRico.com. Growing up in New York and spending my summers in Puerto Rico, I have always loved writing, travel, and animals. I began my career as a travel writer, and after many different jobs in media, I have settled back into what I love most. I enjoy the beach, exploring the island with my family, and coffee!

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