Can I live in Puerto Rico on Social Security?

Puerto Rico on Social Security alone is tight but possible at the budget end. The average US Social Security retirement benefit sits around $1,900 per month in 2026, which falls below Puerto Rico’s moderate lifestyle benchmark of $3,600 per person per month. Couples combining two benefits clear the moderate threshold comfortably, but a single retiree on $1,900 lives in budget territory: a modest apartment outside San Juan ($600 to $1,200), basic groceries, utilities, and minimal discretionary spending. Inland towns like Caguas or Bayamón offer the most affordable options. Two key advantages for retirees: as a US territory, Puerto Rico keeps your Social Security benefits intact, and healthcare through ASES insurance is significantly cheaper than mainland private plans. The trade-offs are imported food prices and frequent power outages, especially during hurricane season. For the full retiree cost picture, see our Puerto Rico page.