Are you a digital nomad looking for a new adventure in Puerto Rico?
With its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and tax incentives for remote workers, the island can be a great place to call home.
But with so many great locations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of more than 13 best places to live in Puerto Rico for digital nomads.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quiet beach town, we’ve got you covered.
So pack your bags, grab your laptop, and get ready to explore the best of what Puerto Rico has to offer!
What are the perks of moving to Puerto Rico as a digital nomads?
Puerto Rico offers several perks for digital nomads, including
Tax incentives,
Tropical climate,
Beautiful beaches, and
a lower cost of living compared to many US cities.
In 2020, the Puerto Rican government introduced the Individual Investors Act, which offers tax incentives to attract remote workers and digital nomads to the island.
Under the act, eligible individuals can receive a tax exemption on income earned on the island and a 4% fixed income tax rate.
Due to which, the island now has a growing community of entrepreneurs and remote workers, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals.
So without further adieu, let’s get to our list of best places in Puerto Rico…
The top places to live in Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico is attracting an increasing number of long-term residents.
It’s obvious that there’s something for everyone in Puerto Rico, but how do you choose where to settle down?
We’ll explore that in this section.
San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is renowned for its history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.
It’s the second oldest European town in the Americas, having been founded in 1521, so there’s a lot to see and do if you’re interested in history.
As a port city, iserves as the island’s primary commercial and transportation hub.
Travelers flock to this Caribbean metropolis because it has everything a vacationer (or relocator) could want in a tropical destination.
There are many residential districts to choose from in this city of over 380,000 people.
Rincón
The tiny town of Rincón, on the west coast of Puerto Rico, is a great spot to go if you enjoy water activities.
Surfers come from all over the world to ride the waves here because they are among the best in the Caribbean.
It’s perfect for advanced surfers looking to improve their skills.
In addition to being a great place to surf, Rincón is also a fantastic diving destination for those who love to spend their time below the surface.
There are many tour companies in the area, and anyone interested in seeing more wildlife can go on an excursion to Desecheo Island.
The reefs around this island, which are about 20 kilometers from the coast, are fantastic diving locations where divers can swim with turtles, sharks, rays, and a wide variety of reef species.
Even landlubbers will fall in love with Rincón’s stunning shores (sunset drinks, anyone?).
The town’s population is just over a thousand, so there’s a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere.
Even while employment opportunities are limited in Rincón, the town’s chill surfer attitude has attracted a growing number of artists and entrepreneurs.
Granted, there isn’t as much to do as in other parts of Puerto Rico, but if you love the water and are looking for a laid-back way of life (probably while working remotely), there’s nowhere better.
As we are talking about having a flexible life while working remotely, let’s hear this story about a wise Mexican fisherman who knew how to balance business and life.
Humacao
Humacao is nestled on the east coast of Puerto Rico.
It’s a hotspot for vacationers thanks to the stunning beaches and exciting nightlife.
The University of Puerto Rico is located in Humacao, which is also home to neocolonial architecture, beautiful churches like the Cathedral of the Sweet Name of Jesus, and a small, walkable downtown area.
With eight different beaches and its convenient proximity to the capital, this destination attracts a lot of relocators.
Punta Santiago and Buena Vista are two well-liked beaches.
Ponce
Ponce (the second largest city on the island) is often called “the pearl of the south” because of its beautiful location.
It is a wonderful spot to relax, take in some seaside air, and learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage.
The grandiosity of the buildings is immediately apparent as you stroll the main thoroughfares.
The city also plays host to many different festivals all year long and has many historical sites, museums, and art galleries to visit.
It’s not the most economical location to live, but if you can afford it, you’ll have access to superb healthcare and a variety of cultural activities and attractions.
Culebra
Culebra is a small island located about 27 kilometers from the coast of Puerto Rico.
Although its English name, Snake Island, may put some people off, this beautiful island is actually a part of the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Its residents are known as Culebrenses, and there are only around 2,000 of them.
There aren’t any high-rise hotels or major stores, but you will find plenty of greenery and stillness.
There are at least ten beaches here, including a sizable wilderness area known as Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
It is a popular nesting ground for turtles, draws many species of birds, and offers excellent scuba diving thanks to its abundant coral reefs.
Dorado
Dorado, Puerto Rico, offers a luxurious, stress-free lifestyle 15 kilometers west of the country’s bustling capital.
Dorado’s golden beaches, posh resorts, and high-end facilities (including three outstanding golf courses) make it a popular destination for high rollers in search of a relaxing getaway.
It is a highly secure town with a number of English-speaking schools, making it attractive to families relocating from farther away.
Carolina
Carolina, “the Land of Giants,” is located 12 miles east of the capital.
This municipality, established by the Spanish in 1816, was founded on sugarcane and is now home to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Puerto Rico’s primary air gateway.
The town as a whole is quite fashionable.
There are cultural institutions, places of historical interest, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty.
Isla Verde Beach, for instance, is a popular destination due to its expansive stretch of golden sand and pristine blue ocean.
You can also relax in Julia de Burgos Park while in Carolina.
There are beautiful gardens, lush flowers, running paths, and even a water park here.
Carolina has a vibrant nightlife with a variety of restaurants, and food stands where you can sample and purchase tasty regional specialties.
There are numerous beautiful drives (often to beaches) in the vicinity, if you enjoy taking day trips with your car.
A few years back, I spent 06 weeks in Guatemala as a digital nomad and enjoyed it thoroughly…
Here is my experience(with the cost breakdown)…
Cayey
While Puerto Rico’s pleasant climate is a major selling point, not everyone enjoys basking in the sun.
Cayey isn’t on the coast, and its 1,500-foot elevation makes it significantly cooler than the rest of the country.
Considered a green city, this area is framed by the Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico (or Ciudad Verde).
If you enjoy being outdoors and on trails, Cayey is the place for you.
The adjacent hills, forests, lakes, and mountains all feature countless trails to explore.
For those who need a swim, the famed Carco Azul happens to be nearby.
You can find some fantastic multi-pitch climbs on basalt rock in Cayey, making it a fantastic destination for any dedicated climbers.
There’s a wide variety of both vegetarian and meat-lover dishes available (try the roast pork).
If you’re looking for the feel of big city life, San Juan is only about an hour away,
Caguas
Caguas, a shining, modern city about half an hour from San Juan, stands in stark contrast to the rugged beauty of Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range.
The city serves as a portal to the surrounding wilderness, making it an attractive destination for nomadic people who appreciate the concept of having a natural environment so close to civilization.
This urban area is a hotspot for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its unique blend of entertainment, history, and natural beauty.
The Caguas History Museum and an exquisite cathedral from the 1930s can be found in the square’s verdant center.
There are tree-lined streets, parks, and botanical gardens covering 60 acres and connected by winding paths.
Rio Grande
Rio Grande, which has been attracting visitors since its founding in 1840, is known for its high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Of course, its main draw is its beautiful landscape and long stretches of shoreline.
Rainforests can be found in this area as well.
The area’s widespread acclaim can be attributed to several factors, including its magnificent natural beauty and its championship-caliber golf courses.
You can drive to the capital city of San Juan from Rio Grande, one of the main cities in eastern Puerto Rico, in under an hour.
Living in Rio Grande means having spectacular natural scenery just outside your door.
You may paddle a kayak through the mangroves of Pinone Mangrove Forest and then relax on a private beach.
If you’re visiting Rio Grande, you definitely want to check out El Yunque.
It is the only subtropical rainforest in the United States.
It spans 28,000 acres and features a variety of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and hiking opportunities.
There’s also much to rave about in the city’s culinary scene.
You can sample authentic Puerto Rican fare at any number of restaurants, from mom-and-pop eateries to five-star fine dining establishments.
Fajardo
East Puerto Rico is where you’ll find Fajardo.
It is one of the best places in Puerto Rico to go swimming, surfing, and sunbathing because of its close proximity to El Yunque National Forest.
The town, established in 1760, may not have much of its original architecture or culture left, but it does have abundant flora and fauna.
Tourists visit the area to see El Yunque and enjoy the various hotels, delicious seafood, and easy boat access to adjacent small islands.
Many visitors come to Fajardo specifically to enjoy the city’s many beaches (there are 46).
Fajardo also has some of the few bioluminescent bays on the planet, which is sure to pique your curiosity.
Take a kayak out and see the amazing scene for yourself!
Fajardo’s downtown is a fantastic place to start your explorations of the island because it is peaceful and convenient.
Also, while staying in Fajardo, you can try out these side hustles and make money there as well.or watch the video below
Guaynabo Pueblo
Guaynabo Pueblo is on the northern shore of Puerto Rico and is home to a population of around 4000.
It is one of the nicest areas to reside in Puerto Rico due mainly to its coastal town appeal.
It also offers a low cost of living, a wide range of housing options, convenient transportation, lively nightlife, and plenty of things to do for the whole family.
The town’s lack of diversity and the shortage of available employment are two of its major drawbacks.
However, if you’re willing to sacrifice some time for a long commute, the convenient transportation options will increase your career options.
Young professionals can also opt to work from home.
If you like to explore some other remote work-friendly locations near/close to the US, here is my article on the best such places in Mexico.
Rio Mar
Rio Mar is all about peace and tranquility.
In about half an hour, you may escape to a tropical paradise not far from San Juan.
Because it has less of a party scene than some of the other places on this list, Rio Mar is one of the most budget-friendly options.
This reduces the overall cost of living, making the island attractive to folks on a tighter budget who are still seeking the serenity of island life.
Due to its abundance of walking routes and sidewalks, Rio Mar is a great place to go for a stroll.
Everything you need, from groceries to fine dining to the trailheads of the world-famous national park, is within easy walking distance of the lush residential districts.
Rio Mar, Puerto Rico, has a low crime rate because of its quiet atmosphere.
There is limited drug usage and nearly no theft in Rio Mar, making it one of the safest neighborhoods on the entire island.
Since many Americans are drawn to Rio Mar’s beautiful properties, you shouldn’t have any trouble making new friends here.
Isla Verde
Isla Verda, which literally means “green island,” is a popular destination for both tourists and long-term residents due to its beautiful natural setting.
The land is only somewhat affordable on Isla Verge.
The area is known for its pristine beaches, which contribute significantly to the expense of buying property over there.
In case you’re thinking about relocating to Puerto Rico, Isla Verde is a good option because it’s a secure area.
Isla Verde is an idyllic beach community with gated communities and well-lit roadways, making it a safer option than old San Juan.
You can opt for a property with an ocean view or one that is situated right on the beach.
Isla Verde is generally walkable despite having fewer stores, restaurants, bars, and art galleries than many other Puerto Rican communities.
FAQs
What is the safest place to live in Puerto Rico from hurricanes?
The southern coast of Puerto Rico, including the city of Ponce and the surrounding areas, is generally considered to be less vulnerable to hurricanes than the northern coast, including San Juan.
Additionally, some areas in the central mountain region of the island, such as Jayuya and Utuado, may also be less vulnerable due to their higher elevation and distance from the coast.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in in Puerto Rico?
Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Puerto Rico are
Old San Juan
Condado
Miramar
Santurce
Guaynabo
Dorado
What is the most dangerous city in Puerto Rico?
San Juan is considered as the most dangerous city in Puerto Rico.
What is the best place to live in Puerto Rico for families?
Some of the best places to live in Puerto Rico for families.
Guaynabo
Dorado
Caguas
San Juan
Rincon
What is the cost of living in Puerto Rico?
The cost of living in Puerto Rico can vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the individual.
However, overall, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is generally lower than in many US cities.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Puerto Rico is 68.57, which is lower than the United States index of 76.81.
What is Puerto Rico’s population?
According to Worldometer, as of June 22, 2023, Puerto Rico’s population is estimated to be approximately 3,299,000 people.
How is Puerto Rico’s weather?
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate, which means that it is generally warm and humid throughout the year.
The average temperature in Puerto Rico is around 80°F (27°C), with relatively little seasonal variation.
The island experiences a rainy season from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October.
During this time, Puerto Rico is also at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Rico’s economic outlook is bright despite the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the COVID-19 outbreak.
Some analysts have even begun to refer to Puerto Rico as “America’s Monaco.”
With a good infrastructure for remote work and a growing community of ex-pats and digital nomads, Puerto Rico is a great place to live and work as a remote worker.
There may not be a better moment than now to relocate to Puerto Rico, what with the island’s high standard of living and advantageous tax benefits.
