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Cost of Living in Ponce

Ponce, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico · Population 111,224

▼ -6% vs Puerto Rico average

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

Estimated Prices in Ponce

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 Ponce 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 Ponce

Ponce vs San JuanPonce vs AguadillaPonce vs BayamónPonce vs CarolinaPonce vs AreciboPonce vs San Germán

Nearby Cities

Juana Díaz

13 km away · Puerto Rico

Yauco

26 km away · Puerto Rico

Coamo

28 km away · Puerto Rico

Sabana Grande

37 km away · Puerto Rico

Aibonito

40 km away · Puerto Rico

San Germán

46 km away · Puerto Rico

Manatí

48 km away · Puerto Rico

Corozal

49 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

Arecibo

Puerto Rico · pop. 128,203

$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 Ponce

Ponce 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 Ponce 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 Ponce expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $830 per month in Ponce 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 Ponce?
A net salary of around $1,079 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Ponce with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Ponce is $2,400.
How much is rent in Ponce?
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 Ponce cheaper than Puerto Rico on average?
Yes — Ponce 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 Ponce?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $187 in Ponce. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Ponce compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Ponce is estimated at $30. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Ponce are estimates based on Puerto Rico national averages adjusted for city size (population 111,224). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.