What resrouces are needed to hit the ground running when relocating to Puerto Rico?

Question

Hi, I am being offered a job in Puerto Rico and am considering to accept it. I do have some money saved and the job pays reasonably well. I can take a car with me and any other household goods.

I have a family (wife + 2 young children) and am concerned about the reported crime rate on the island. Hence, my question to you all is what sort of resources do I need to live on the island safely. The job in in San Juan. More specifically:

1) what family income means a middle class

2) what family income means a higher middle class

3) what are the house prices (say three bedroom nothing extravagant) in reasonably safe areas of San Juan or in commute distance?

4) what is the average cost of living per month per person (again nothing extravagant) in terms of food, transportation, etc.

5) what is an expected cost for daycare (English speaking preferably) per child.

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

ok, lets start with the children. first of all u want a safe and good education for them. so i recommend u enroll them in a private school or daycare. their are christian bi-lingual schools or just english only schools. the highest living cost is in san juan, so i would say a condo its about 1000+ and a house its more expensive. cost of living in PR its more expensive than some states in US. and the tax is 7%, the currancy in PR are US dollars as well. The cost of food its basically the same as the US, ofcourse imported products are a few cents more. About public transportation, well 0.75 AMA autobus, urban train its 1.50 and little buses are 1.00

taxis depend on the area, but usually from the airport to san juan its 30+ dollars. I would say for a person living in a san juan condo with 2-3 rooms, a private school, including utility bills,cell, food,gas and miscellaneous, it would be an avarage cost of living around 5000+ per month, maybe more.

now, if u live away from the metro area and schooling its not in san juan. i would say a cost of living its about 2000+ for your family size. it would be better if u rent a house instead of a condo, then it would be even cheaper. utility bills are not so high, its way cheaper than the states. and about the crime rate, u dont have to worry about it, because its 90% related with drug issues. now, robberies are very common, specially in non-private residentals, so i suggest a good alarm system for ur car and a house with steel bars and a good alarm system would do just fine.

Answer 2

Hello. If you live in the states & you believe the job ays reasonably well than that is good because PR jobs tend to pay less. If you plan to live in San Juan then expect prices to be comparable to the states. Also San Juan is a city & like any other city there are good neighborhoods & bad neighborhoods. More crime is in San Juan then smaller towns, but again that is city life. Don't worry too much about crime, take your normal precautions. Murders are usually between drug dealers, etc. Theft can happen more anonamously so just lock you doors & be aware of your surroundings.  If you live in San Juan I would suggest looking at Ocean Park, Condado, etc.  I dont reccomend Rio Piedras or anywhere near the "caserios" (housing projects). Other areas outside San Juan that are nice & close enough are Guaynabo & Dorado.

Once again housing prices are comparable to the US. If you live in a small town it is cheaper but you can only do that if your spanish is fluent. Utilities are cheaper.  Cars tend to be a litle higher priced so if your company will send your car definitely do it. If not, check the prices of sending & what its worth in PR & compare first. You will need to pay about $1000-$1500 to ship a car & then the import tax could be $750-$6000 depending on the value of the car. ($750 tax is for anything $5,500 or less). Gasoline costs about the same but its purchased in liters not gallons. Car insurance might be less for you. Food is about the same. Schooling & daycare will probably be less. If you want a good all english school then you will need to enroll in private school. Daycares Im not so sure. Here is one I found in San Juan.

http://www.findingdaycares.com/daycare.c...



Just think if you can live in the US with this salary, then you can live in PR with that salary. Also, if you plan on living in a house (opposed to a condo or something) then you can send a generator. Its not needed, but if there is a hurricane or something you can be sure you'll still have power. PR is a very beautiful place hopefully you like it :)

http://www.clasificadosonline.com/

Answer 3

1) 30,000 to 75,000 a year

2)75,000 to 150,000  more or less

3)2,000 to 3,000  definitely less in a commute distance

4)400-500 car,100 in gas, 150 electricity, 50 mobile phone, 30 house phone, 100 cable + internet, 400 to 500 in food(grocery store + eating out), 200 miscellaneous...those are my numbers take care raul

I have lived in PR my whole life and never been victim of a crime (knock on wood). I really recommend living in the area of Ocean Park. or Condado. Why? Because they are safe places to live and  close to American Schools in San Juan.