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Cost of Living in Arecibo

Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico · Population 128,203

▼ -6% vs Puerto Rico average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$830
Couple, monthly$1,492
Family of four, monthly$1,948

Estimated Prices in Arecibo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$8.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$33.00per meal
Cappuccino$2.48each
Monthly groceries (single person)$187per month
Monthly public transport pass$30.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$79.75per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$23.10per month
Fitness club membership$23.10per month
Cinema ticket$6.05each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$403per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$280per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$840per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Arecibo is $2,400 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $830 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,079 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($280) represents about 34% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Arecibo

Arecibo vs San JuanArecibo vs AguadillaArecibo vs BayamónArecibo vs CarolinaArecibo vs PonceArecibo vs San Germán

Nearby Cities

Manatí

27 km away · Puerto Rico

San Sebastián

30 km away · Puerto Rico

Isabela

30 km away · Puerto Rico

Vega Baja

36 km away · Puerto Rico

Aguadilla

44 km away · Puerto Rico

Corozal

47 km away · Puerto Rico

Sabana Grande

47 km away · Puerto Rico

Yauco

48 km away · Puerto Rico

Other Major Cities in Puerto Rico

San Juan

Puerto Rico · pop. 1,813,477

$1,104 / mo

Aguadilla

Puerto Rico · pop. 225,238

$830 / mo

Bayamón

Puerto Rico · pop. 166,923

$830 / mo

Carolina

Puerto Rico · pop. 138,633

$830 / mo

Ponce

Puerto Rico · pop. 111,224

$830 / mo

San Germán

Puerto Rico · pop. 94,548

$830 / mo

Mayagüez

Puerto Rico · pop. 90,228

$830 / mo

Caguas

Puerto Rico · pop. 72,922

$830 / mo

Living in Arecibo

Arecibo is one of the key cities in Puerto Rico. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $830, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $280 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,948 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,492 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Arecibo is $2,400. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,079 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arecibo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $830 per month in Arecibo including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Puerto Rico.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Arecibo?
A net salary of around $1,079 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Arecibo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Arecibo is $2,400.
How much is rent in Arecibo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $403 per month in the city centre and $280 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $840.
Is Arecibo cheaper than Puerto Rico on average?
Yes — Arecibo is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Puerto Rico average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Arecibo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $187 in Arecibo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Arecibo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Arecibo is estimated at $30. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Arecibo are estimates based on Puerto Rico national averages adjusted for city size (population 128,203). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.