From bioluminescent bays and beautiful beaches to lush rainforests and rugged mountains, Puerto Rico offers an impressive range of places to explore.
This tropical destination also has historic sites, cultural attractions, and plenty of sunshine and temperate weather to enjoy. But how much will all of this cost you?
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway for two or a week-long vacation for the whole family, trip costs can vary. Staying in a historic hotel or luxury resort in Old San Juan is going to cost you quite a bit more than booking a hostel or camping on the beach.
How can you make sure you’re budgeting enough for your trip? Our travel team has you covered. We know how important it is to create a travel budget and be able to stick to it.
We’ve set up the following guide to help you get an idea of how much an average trip to Puerto Rico costs in 2024.
We’ll also give you tips on keeping costs low. That way, you can stretch your budget and get the most out of your trip. Let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Puerto Rico Cost in 2024
A 7-day stay in Puerto Rico for two people in 2024 will cost around $3,000.
- Average Accommodation Cost: $115 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $250 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $100 per person, per day
- Transportation: $200
- Total Cost: $2,900
Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate. Your actual trip costs can end up being much lower or higher than these average costs based on different factors.
Where you stay, where you fly from, how long your trip is, and how many people you’re going with can all affect your overall trip cost. If you stay at an exclusive resort or hotel, such as Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, you can expect to pay top dollar.
Forbes named this the Best Luxury Hotel in Puerto Rico thanks to its all-star amenities. Of course, Puerto Rico also has tons of budget-friendly options for solo travelers, couples, families, or entire groups.
Knowing more about the average costs of flights, accommodations, activities, food and drinks, and transportation can help you plan a Puerto Rico vacation that fits your budget.
With this information, you can decide where to cut back on trip costs and where you might want to splurge.
Puerto Rico Trip Cost: Average by Item
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Consider the following average costs for each part of your Puerto Rico trip. Just remember that your own costs are likely to vary based on your specific travel plans.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs are where you can save considerable money on your trip. This really depends on what you’re comfortable with. No-frills hostels offer some of the most affordable lodging in Puerto Rico, with some costing as little as $24 per night.
If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, you can typically camp on beaches for free. Puerto Rico has remote beaches at Playuela Aguadilla for a secluded getaway.
Sun Bay Beach on Vieques has beaches with showers and bathrooms. If you’re camping anywhere else, like the mountains, you might need to pay a fee. As an example, camping sites at Rio Abajo State Forest are $4 per person.
Vacation homes and AirBNBs in Puerto Rico give you plenty of space for the whole family or a group. These usually cost anywhere between $60 and $150 per night.
Keep in mind that you can cook your meals in one of these homes, which can help bring your food budget down. Puerto Rico also has a lot of hotels to choose from. You can find affordable ones that cost around $80 to $100 per night.
If it’s luxury you want, one of the island’s 5-star hotels or resorts will do. Keep in mind that some of these can be incredibly expensive, costing more than $1,000 per night, even in the off-season.
Flight Costs
With Puerto Rico being an island destination, flying is usually the way to get there. Flight costs range widely, depending on when you go, where you’re leaving from, and where you’re flying to.
September tends to be the cheapest month to fly to Puerto Rico, while June is usually the most expensive.
Overall, spring flights in April or May or fall flights in September and October are typically lower compared to the rest of the year. You might save money with a connecting flight rather than a direct flight, but this depends on where you’re flying from.
A direct flight from Miami to Puerto Rico is usually cheaper than a direct flight from NYC. In this case, connecting flights from NYC are likely to cost less than flying direct.
Flights to Puerto Rico in general can range from as little as $150 to $525 or more. Your landing spot in Puerto Rico can also affect flight costs.
Skyscanner shows that flying to San Juan, the heart of Puerto Rico, is usually the cheapest. Flights to and from Aquadilla and Ponce also tend to be lower. The most expensive place to fly to is beach-filled Vieques.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
Puerto Rico offers tons of delicious cuisine. Instead of heading for chains you’re familiar with, eat at locally owned places to save on food costs.
Breakfasts are usually pretty cheap, but dinners can cost you anywhere between $15 and $40 or more per person. Street vendors and local dining spots tend to cost a lot less than fine dining and big food chains.
You can also stock up at local grocery stores and prepare your own meals if you rent a vacation home. This means you’ll need to spend more time cooking during vacation, but you’ll save on dining costs.
What about drinks? Prices for alcoholic beverages in Puerto Rico are roughly the same as the rest of the U.S. Beer is usually the least expensive item at a few bucks per bottle.
A bottle of rum might cost you around $10, while cocktails can range from $8 to $15 per drink. For activities and attractions, you can’t beat beaches when you want something budget-friendly.
Beaches in Puerto Rico are free, so you can swim or sunbathe all you want. If you plan on doing any water tours, that’s going to cost you. Kayaking Puerto Rico offers kayak tours of the area’s bioluminescent bays that start at $59 per person.
Puerto Rico’s other attractions typically cost a fee, although they’re pretty low overall. Museums usually cost between $10 and $15 per person. San Juan National Historic Site costs $10 per person.
El Yunque National Forest doesn’t have an entrance fee, but some of the attractions within the forest do charge a small fee. Some outdoor activities in Puerto Rico, such as zip lines, also cost a fee. These are generally between $50 and $100.
Overall, set aside roughly $100 per person for dining, drinks, and activities during your Puerto Rico trip. But always consider your specific itinerary and available budget, so you can adjust that amount as needed.
Transportation Costs
How you plan on getting around during your vacation can add to your trip costs. If you’re staying in San Juan, you might be able to depend on buses, trains, cabs, or ride-shares to get around.
U.S. News and World Report shows that the base fare for San Juan buses is $1.50 per ride. Other low-cost options include San Juan’s Urban Train and ferries. How much is a cab ride likely to cost you?
Taxi rides typically cost between $20 and $40 for short rides. Plan on paying more if you’re traveling a longer distance. Ride-share services might be less expensive than cab rides for longer trips.
If you don’t want to take public transportation in San Juan or if you’re traveling to other areas of Puerto Rico, consider renting a car. Having your own car gives you more freedom to drive wherever you want to go, whenever you want.
What should you budget for a rental car? Renting a car in Puerto Rico costs anywhere between $30 and $80 per day, but don’t forget about gas. You’ll pay a few dollars or more per gallon to fill up.
Things to Consider
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While planning your trip to Puerto Rico, keep all of the following in mind:
- Stock up on mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes love Puerto Rico’s tropical environment, so protect yourself from being bitten, especially if you’re going hiking or spending a lot of time outdoors.
- Consider buying travel insurance if you visit during hurricane season. June through November is hurricane season in Puerto Rico. You might find cheaper prices during this time, but you also run the risk of having your trip canceled or postponed if a hurricane or tropical storm hits.
- Hate the thought of flying? Look into booking a cruise that includes a stop in San Juan. Many major cruise lines include San Juan Cruise Port in their itinerary, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival. This gives you a day to explore this historic city.
- Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. You don’t need a passport or visa to visit if you’re a U.S. citizen. You’ll need a valid ID, such as your driver’s license, for flying, though.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Puerto Rico an expensive destination?
This all depends on what you consider expensive and what kind of trip you have in mind. Puerto Rico offers many affordable vacation options, such as hostels and camping. Staying at a luxury resort and visiting during the busiest times can make these trips more expensive.
What are the best ways to save money in Puerto Rico?
Traveling during the off-season can help you have a more budget-friendly trip in terms of flight and accommodation costs. Consider staying somewhere other than San Juan.
We love Ponce or Cabo Rojo, since this is the main tourist area. Sticking to low-cost or free activities and cooking your own meals or going to local eateries can also help you save money.
What month is the cheapest to stay in Puerto Rico?
Visiting Puerto Rico in April, May, September or October means you’ll have lower costs overall. The cheapest month to fly is September. Since it’s also the off-season and hurricane season, you can easily find lower rates at hotels and other accommodations.
How much money should I bring to Puerto Rico for a week?
You’ll need enough to cover the cost of accommodations, transportation, food, drinks, and activities. Based on the average cost for these, plan on having around $2,400 available to spend. You might also want to add some extra in case of emergencies, such as $200.
What is a good budget for a trip to Puerto Rico?
A good budget for one person isn’t always the best budget for someone else. An ideal budget for your trip to Puerto Rico will depend on many factors
These include how many people you’re going with, how long you’re staying, and what you plan on doing during your trip. Figure out how much you can comfortably spend on your trip, and plan your itinerary from there.
So, What Is the Average Cost for a Puerto Rico Trip?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $115 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $250 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $100 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $200 total |
| 💲 Total Cost | $2,900 |
For two adults staying for a week, the average cost for a Puerto Rico trip in 2024 is $2,900. The good news is you can find many ways to keep costs low, while still being able to enjoy a memorable trip to this beautiful island destination.
Aim for an overall cost that works for you personally based on your specific travel plans. So, with so much to see and do, and the ability to visit this tropical paradise on a budget, what are you waiting for — book your trip today!