Cost of living PUERTO RICO, RENT PRICES ARE INSANE

Cost of Rent in Puerto Rico – What to Expect in 2025
Introduction
Welcome to [Your Channel]! In this video, we dive deep into the rental market of Puerto Rico in 2025. Whether you’re planning to move, invest, retire, or travel long‑term, understanding rent trends on the island is key. We cover average prices, regional differences, why rents are rising, and how locals are feeling the impact.
1. 📊 Overview of Rental Prices (2025)
Average rent island‑wide: around US $2,350–2,600/month, which is ~24% higher than the U.S. national average of roughly $2,100
Zillow
Puerto Rico 51st
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Median rent (Feb 2025): $2,400/month — a slight dip (~$400 less than the previous year)
christiesrealestatepr.com
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HUD Fair Market Rent (Puerto Rico avg.): $547/month for a 2‑bedroom unit; San Juan metro is $656/month
rentcafe.com
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rentdata.org
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globalpropertyguide.com
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These figures highlight a wide discrepancy between HUD low‑income benchmarks and actual market prices for mid‑ to high‑amenity units and luxury buildings.
⚖️ Long‑Term vs Short‑Term Rentals
Long‑Term Rentals
Most locals rent long‑term (6 months to multi‑year leases).

In San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez: one‑bedroom apartments typically range from $900–$1,800 (city center) or $600–$1,000 (outside center)
christiesrealestatepr.com
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Luxury apartments in Condado or Dorado: from $1,000 up to $3,000+ per month
globalpropertyguide.com
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Business Insider
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Puerto Rico 51st
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Short‑Term / Monthly Vacation Rentals
Beach/tourist hubs (Condado, Vieques, Rincon): typical rates range $100–$500/night, or $3,000–$15,000+/month depending on property type
christiesrealestatepr.com
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Despite volatility, demand remains strong due to tourism and remote work
📍 Area Breakdown
San Juan Metro (Condado, Miramar, Santurce etc.)
Average rent: One‑bedroom ~$2,600/month, two‑bedroom ~$3,800, three‑bedroom ~$4,500, four‑bedroom ~$6,500
globalpropertyguide.com
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christiesrealestatepr.com
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The Broke Backpacker
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globalpropertyguide.com
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Luxury condos in Condado‑Miramar: a 1‑br condo (~$470K) rents for around $2,700/month (≈6.9% yield)
globalpropertyguide.com
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Supply is tight, demand high: prime neighborhoods command hefty premiums.

Isla Verde & Carolina
Slightly lower cost than Condado: two‑bedroom units average $3,225/month, with yields around ~7%
globalpropertyguide.com
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Dorado
Ultra‑premium market: rentals from $2,100 up to $30,000/month for beachfront estates
christiesrealestatepr.com
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Business Insider
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Humacao
Median rent around $2,800/month, with listings staying on average ~94 days
christiesrealestatepr.com
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Secondary Cities (Ponce, Mayagüez, Arecibo)
More affordable: e.g. Ponce/Mayagüez typical rents much lower than San Juan.

Arecibo 3‑br inside center ~$1,050/month, outside center ~$675/month
en.wikipedia.org
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pacificprime.com
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christiesrealestatepr.com
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📈 Market Drivers & Trends
Tourism boom boosts short‑term rental demand: over 5 million visitors in 2022, $8.9 billion revenue
en.wikipedia.org
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christiesrealestatepr.com
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; fueled by platforms like Airbnb/Vrbo.

Investor purchases under Act 60 tax incentives attract mainland and foreign buyers, increasing gentrification and pushing local rental prices upwards
christiesrealestatepr.com
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Population decline: over 500,000 residents left between 2008–2019; renewed migration since 2023 continues to shift housing supply/demand
The Washington Post
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Housing supply: new luxury development adds units, causing a modest cooling of median rent recently
christiesrealestatepr.com
.🧾 Personal Stories & Local Perspectives
A recent expat in Condado pays $6,500/month for a 1,900 sq ft apartment—more than their previous Chicago rent—primarily for location and lifestyle
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Business Insider
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Expatistan, cost of living comparisons
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Local residents report displacement and rent hikes, with typical rises from $600 to $950/month in recent years
The Washington Post
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Wohnung costs remain significantly lower than in major U.S. or UK cities—some shared spaces in Old San Juan can rent for as low as $400/month, though these are rare and usually modest in condition

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