10 Budget-Friendly Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico

With its picturesque beaches, historic cities, and vibrant atmosphere, Puerto Rico is gaining recognition as one of the premier island vacations in the Caribbean.

Nevertheless, in comparison to nearby destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba, visiting Puerto Rico can become quite costly. The absence of dependable public transportation, increasing living expenses, an 11.5% tax on all goods and services, along with limited all-inclusive hotel offerings can result in a substantial travel budget.

Nonetheless, there are numerous economical opportunities to experience the finest attractions the island presents. From savoring delightful cuisine to lounging on tropical beaches with crystal-clear waters and meandering through historic streets, here are ways to experience Puerto Rico affordably.

A guide to daily costs in Puerto Rico

• Hostel room: US$50–75

• Basic room for two: US$120–280

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): US$60–180

• Local bus ticket: US$0.75

• Urban train ticket: US$1.50

• Cup of Puerto Rican coffee: US$3–5

• A lunchtime sandwich: US$7

• Restaurant dinner for two: from US$40

• A beer in a local bar: US$3

1. Visit during the off-season to keep costs down

Traveling during the off-season is essential for budget travel to any Caribbean destination, particularly in Puerto Rico. This locale boasts an eternal summer, with coastal daytime temperatures consistently ranging from 70°F to 80°F, making it an ideal time for a visit regardless of the season.

The peak tourist period spans from December to April, coinciding with the colder months in the northern hemisphere. To evade crowds, fully booked tours, and increased hotel rates, consider traveling between May and July or from September to early December.

It is important to understand that visiting Puerto Rico during the off-season coincides with hurricane season, occurring from June 1 to November 30, which elucidates the sparse crowds and reduced prices. Although direct hits are infrequent, obtaining comprehensive travel insurance and monitoring the weather forecast is advisable.

2. You can find cheaper accommodations if you know where (and when) to look

Accommodations are likely to be the largest part of your expenses in Puerto Rico. Room prices at three- and four-star hotels can surge to high hundreds of dollars per night during peak holiday periods; however, the same room can be available for as little as US$120–280 per night in the off-season.

Hotels situated outside the San Juan area typically charge around US$180, making it prudent to consider accommodation away from the capital to save costs. An additional way to reduce accommodation expenses is to seek out paradores—smaller, independently run hotels and guesthouses, primarily found outside the San Juan metropolitan region.

Look for family-owned paradores in the Adjuntas mountains or along the stunning beaches of the Southwest Coast, situated between Rincón and Ponce.

If your aim is to economize and prepare your own meals, platforms such as Airbnb, Join a Join, and Vrbo represent ideal options for sourcing reasonably priced apartments. Hostels are relatively new to Puerto Rico and primarily found in Santurce and Old San Juan, providing a cost-effective accommodation choice.

A bed in a six-person dormitory-style room at Conturce Boutique Hostel on Calle Loíza, a major entertainment area, can be as low as US$40 per night.

3. Car rental is cheaper than organized tours and excursions

The most economical means of exploring the island beyond San Juan is to rent a car. Public transportation becomes nearly nonexistent outside the metropolitan area, while tours and excursions can be quite pricey.

Depending on the season, you can rent a car for approximately US$24 per day or US$239 per week, with gasoline typically priced around US$1 per liter.

While the cost of renting a car is not insignificant, it affords you the flexibility to explore the island and travel at your own pace, all without incurring costs associated with organized excursions. Given Puerto Rico’s size, most locations (including off-the-beaten-path sites) can be accessed within about two hours—an ideal distance for a road trip.

Alternatively, rideshare services, such as the Uber app, or licensed taxis can also facilitate your transportation. Taxis operate with meters only in specific tourist zones of San Juan; outside of these areas, be sure to confirm the fare with your driver before departing.

4. Take advantage of low-cost days at the beach

In Puerto Rico, beaches are classified as public property, which means beach days remain complimentary (excluding parking and food). In urbanized areas like San Juan, Carolina, and Condado, access to the beach may be limited by hotel and apartment structures; however, locals are generally willing to guide you to public entrances upon request.

Despite the free access, you may not find amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, or lifeguards. For enhanced facilities, look for beaches known as balnearios—Boquerón in Cabo Rojo and Seven Seas in Fajardo are notable examples.

These favored beach locales are designated as state parks, featuring parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Parking fees range from US$3 to US$5, with no restrictions on duration.

Local tip: Puerto Ricans excel at beach outings, with families often seen arriving laden with coolers and picnic fare for a beach day. Follow their example and stop by a grocery store to stock up on supplies before enjoying the sun.

5. Shop for fresh produce at local markets

Farmers’ markets present an excellent opportunity to engage with Puerto Rican culture while acquiring inexpensive food options in the process. These markets feature the freshest seasonal local fruits and vegetables, allowing you to connect with farmers from across the island.

Typically, produce at markets is more affordable than at supermarkets, and your purchases support the local economy. La Placita de Santurce and the Placita Roosevelt in San Juan are two prominent open-air markets brimming with vendors.

Arriving early in the morning is ideal for shopping alongside chefs from nearby restaurants who procure fresh ingredients for their evenings’ menus.

Markets also provide a chance to enjoy an economical lunch. Santurce’s La Placita hosts various stalls serving traditional dishes such as arroz con habichuelas (rice and beans), roast pork, tostones (fried green plantains), carne frita (fried pork chunks), and alcapurrias (fried meat-stuffed fritters).

6. Dishes served at food trucks are affordable

Food stalls along the beach have long been a staple in Puerto Rico; however, in recent years, a growing number of chefs and restaurant owners have transitioned to food trucks, providing culinary quality on the streets.

On any given evening, you can enjoy both traditional and international dishes at the Miramar Food Truck Park located near Condado in San Juan. While not the sole establishment of its kind in San Juan, it stands out for its affordability and rotating selections of cuisine and local beers that won’t strain your budget.

Moreover, food trucks are commonly found on street corners along the Miramar-Condado-Old San Juan corridor and throughout the metropolitan area during meal periods. Beach locales, specifically the Isla Verde section of Carolina, also offer plenty of reasonably priced food options.

7. Find inexpensive eats at the island’s bakeries

In addition to the ubiquitous food trucks and beach kiosks, Puerto Rico is home to numerous panaderías, which are both bakers and eateries. These low-cost establishments serve traditional dishes, including rice and beans and carne guisada (beef stew), for as little as US$10.

Panaderías are also an excellent resource for discovering traditional Puerto Rican breakfast sandwiches and porridge. Be sure to try pan sobao or pan de agua, which are baguette-like breads priced from US$2 to US$3 and are essential components of a hearty Puerto Rican breakfast.

8. Track down bargain cups of Puerto Rican coffee

Puerto Rican coffee is renowned for its exceptional quality, attracting admirers including the Vatican and royal courts in Europe. Instead of patronizing large coffee chain establishments, savor the distinctive flavor of Puerto Rican beans at local shops and independent coffeehouses around the island.

For a delightful coffee experience at an economical price, visit the charming Café Cuatro Sombras in Old San Juan, which features its own roastery, or Caficultura, noted for its lovely ambiance and appetizing menu.

9. Take a day trip to Vieques and Culebra

Vieques and Culebra are two island municipalities situated off the coast of Puerto Rico, both celebrated for their pristine, uncrowded beaches and the serene ambiance of small-town life, along with more affordable pricing.

These tranquil islands are endowed with abundant natural beauty, featuring volcanic beaches and wildlife reserves, alongside a captivating assortment of remnants and wartime artifacts from the previous US Naval presence. If possible, consider an extended stay at a local guesthouse to further explore and appreciate the area.

However, if your intention is simply to enjoy a day at one of the many stunning beaches, the most economical choice is a day trip. Ferries operate daily services to each island from Fajardo and Ceiba. The boat journey to Culebra typically takes approximately an hour, costing just US$4.50 for a round-trip ticket.

Similar rates apply for Vieques, with the boat trip lasting 30 to 45 minutes. For an additional US$2, travelers may bring coolers filled with snacks and drinks onboard. As dining options are somewhat limited on the beaches of Culebra and Vieques, ensuring an adequate supply of water and ice is advisable for the day.

10. Skip the big clubs for cheaper nights out

Dancing in Puerto Rico occurs in various settings—you would be hard-pressed to find a nightlife venue that lacks a dance floor and enjoyable music. To economize on drink prices, entry fees, and parking, consider avoiding the flashy nightclubs and instead choose more subdued spots like chinchorros (food kiosks), local bars, and open-air drinking locations (Santurce’s La Placita offers meals and drinks).

By opting for venues frequented by locals, you’ll experience nightlife from a Puerto Rican perspective while enjoying lower prices on beverages and a more relaxed dress code—ideal for post-beach refreshments on the way back to your accommodation.

This article was first published on Mar 14, 2022, and updated on Dec 2, 2023.