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In general, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is between 9% to 21% lower than in the United States, but it's not cheap. The total monthly cost of living in Puerto Rico typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 for essentials. A large portion of salary will go to expenses on housing, utilities and groceries. Nevertheless, it's an affordable location for any budget.
Housing prices are more expensive in the city in comparison to the lower costs of the surrounding suburbs. Smaller cities outside of the San Juan Metroplex are cheaper than living within the capital, but if you have the financial ability to purchase a home, this is the best option.
The cost of rental housing is comparable to mainland United States. Apartments are common and may be more expensive than single family homes depending on where you choose to live. Most often, a home purchased on a 30-year mortgage will have a monthly mortgage payment that is significantly lower than an apartment's monthly rent.
Utility costs can average between $100 to $300.
Although most things in Puerto Rico are cheaper than in the U.S., sales taxes are higher at 11.5%. The sales tax on prepared food is 7%.
In general, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is estimated to be 9% to 21% lower than in the mainland U.S.; however, living costs can still be significant. Monthly expenses for basic necessities typically range from $1,800 to $2,400, depending on household size, location, and lifestyle. Housing, utilities, and groceries generally account for a substantial portion of monthly expenses.
Housing costs are generally higher in urban areas than in surrounding suburbs. Smaller cities outside the San Juan metropolitan area may be less expensive than living in the capital area. For individuals who can afford to purchase a home, homeownership may be a more cost-effective long-term option.
Rental housing costs may be comparable to those in the mainland U.S. Apartments are common and, depending on location, may cost more than single-family homes. In some cases, the monthly payment on a home purchased with a 30-year mortgage may be lower than the monthly rent for an apartment.
Monthly utility costs typically range from $100 to $300.
Although many goods and services in Puerto Rico may cost less than in the mainland U.S., the general sales tax is 11.5%. The tax on prepared food is 7%.
Note: Cost-of-living estimates, housing costs, utility rates, and tax rates can change. Source: Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development, 2026.
Privately Owned Vehicles
Privately owned vehicles shipped to Puerto Rico must comply with U.S. vehicle specifications. Active-duty military personnel and civilian employees traveling on transportation orders are authorized a tax exemption for one POV. Additional vehicles are subject to local government import taxes, which must be paid before the vehicle is released to the owner.
Pet Information
A Puerto Rico law enacted in 2018 permits the possession of pit bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, and related crossbreeds.
Fort Buchanan does not require licenses for domestic pets living on post; however, all domestic pets must have a permanently implanted HomeAgain microchip. Exotic pets, including snakes, spiders, and other unusual animals, require both an import license and a Fort Buchanan license. Vaccinations must be current within six months of arrival.
Please note that veterinary services are not available on post.
Important Documents
Hand-carry the following documents:
Driver’s License
Nonresident military personnel and their spouses and children who possess a valid driver’s license from a state with reciprocity agreements with Puerto Rico are exempt from obtaining a Puerto Rico driver’s license.
Individuals who have a valid driver’s license from a state without reciprocity agreements with Puerto Rico, are residents of Puerto Rico, or have an expired license must obtain a Puerto Rico driver’s license within 120 days of arrival. Driver’s licenses issued by other countries are not recognized in Puerto Rico.
Department of War civilian employees are not exempt and must obtain a Puerto Rico driver’s license within 120 days of arrival.
For more information, call 787-707-3337 or 787-707-4911.
Forward Mail
Until an official mailing address or post office box is established, personnel moving to Fort Buchanan may use the Fort Buchanan Mail and Distribution Center as a temporary forwarding address for up to six months. Personnel traveling on temporary duty orders or assigned to Fort Buchanan for training may also use the Mail and Distribution Center during their stay.
Use the following address:
For more information, call 787-707-4500 or DSN 740-4500.
Note: Vehicle, pet, driver’s-license, and postal requirements may change. Validate current requirements with the appropriate Puerto Rico, installation, and transportation offices before travel.
Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions
DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of War. Every installation has a special DSN number, and the numbers vary by world-wide location. To place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a telephone on a military installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a U.S. installation to another U.S. installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN (312) area code must be included.
Borinqueneers Gate
This main gate on PR 28 is open 24/7. Service members who arrive at the Luis Muniz Marin International Airport in Carolina, will need to take a taxi or Uber through this gate to access Fort Buchanan. All valid installation access credentials, including retirees and their dependents, members with a Veteran Health Identification Card, as well as Morale Welfare and Recreation cardholders are permitted on base. Disabled veterans may bring one authorized person to assist them to shop at either the Commissary or the Exchange. Appropriate documentation and clearance will be vetted at the Visitor Control Center.
SPC Frances M. Vega Gate
Effective March 9, 2026, the operating hours are temporarily modified for inbound/outbound traffic as follows:
Visitors
Visitors may go to the VCC at the Borinqueneers Gate to receive a background record check and access to the installation. Currently, the VCC hours of operation are:
If you have any questions concerning access to Fort Buchanan, please contact the VCC at 787-707-3995. Access to the VCC is limited to number of patrons inside the facility.
Mission: USAG Fort Buchanan delivers base support and services to enable holistic readiness for the total force.
Vision: To be the premier installation for support and services.
Values: In addition to adopting the Army values as our own, we strive for trust, transparency, and collaboration in all that we do.
Puerto Rico was part of the Spanish Empire for 405 years, from the time Christopher Columbus discovered it during his second voyage on November 19, 1493, until the Spanish-American War, when United States Forces landed in the town of Guánica on July 25, 1898. Upon the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the U. S. and the island became an unincorporated U. S. territory.
On July 1, 1899, "The Puerto Rico Regiment of Infantry," U. S. Army was created. Fort Buchanan, the only active Army installation on Puerto Rico and in the Greater Antilles, was named after BG James A. Buchanan, the first commander of the Puerto Rico Regiment/1st U.S. Volunteers that was formed by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War. After defending the Canal Zone during WWI, the regiment was officially designated the 65th Infantry Regiment in 1920. A tract of 300 acres on the south shore of San Juan Bay was obtained in 1923 and designated as Camp Buchanan. It served as a target range and maneuver area for the U.S. Army and National Guard troops from 1923 to 1939. In 1940, Camp Buchanan was renamed Fort Buchanan and, during WWII, became a general depot and induction center/training area for the Antilles command, while initially expanding to 1500 acres and later to 4,500 acres. The industrial complex included pier facilities, ammunition storage areas, and an extensive railroad network connecting the military installation to the bay.
Fort Buchanan has passed under the control of the U.S. Navy, the Third U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Forces Command, and the U.S. Southern Command; and on August 13, 1999, became the home of U.S. Army South, which subsequently departed in 2003. In 2002, Fort Buchanan became part of the Southeast Regional Office of the Installation Management Agency; and in 2003, it became an IMA Reserve installation. In 2006, it became a Garrison under U. S. Army Installation Management Command, Southeast Region.
On October 1, 2008, the Commanding General of the 81st Regional Readiness Command (Wildcats) became Fort Buchanan's Senior Mission Commander under the U.S. Army Reserve Command. Currently, Fort Buchanan falls under the U.S. Northern Command area of operations, under the direct control of the Installation Management Command, Atlantic Region.
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan consists of 746.16 acres between the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón. Fort Buchanan serves a population of approximately 130,000 people including military personnel, their dependents, retirees, veterans, and the civilian workforce. Fort Buchanan is host to several tenant activities, most of them branches from the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, such as Headquarters for the 1st Mission Support Command of the U.S. Army Reserve, the Puerto Rico Army and the Air Force National Guards, the U.S. Navy Reserve - Navy Operations Support Center Puerto Rico and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
For more information, visit the Fort Buchanan homepage or by phone at 787-707-3865/3440 or DSN 740-3865.
As the only active Army installation in the western hemisphere, Fort Buchanan serves and supports a population of approximately 130,000 people including military personnel, their dependents, retirees, veterans and the civilian workforce. Fort Buchanan is host to several tenant activities, most of them branches from the United States Armed Forces Reserve such as headquarters for the 1st Mission Support Command of the U.S. Army Reserve, the Puerto Rico Army and Air Force National Guards, the U.S. Navy Reserve/Navy Operations Support Center and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. It also supports federal agencies on the island.
As the only federal military installation in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Fort Buchanan is a critical part of the community and an important asset of the Department of War mission. Fort Buchanan serves and supports a military community comprised of active duty, Army and Air Force National Guard service members, as well as the Marine Corps Reserve and the Navy Operational Support Center. It also serves a population of DoW civilians, veterans, retirees and family members. The installation also supports over 30 federal agencies located in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico boasts fabulous ocean views, tropical weather and lush green mountains. The island is approximately 100 miles long by 35 miles wide or 3,515 square miles, about the size of Connecticut. Its population of 3.2 million United States citizens is comparable to that of Utah or Iowa. For a variety of reasons, Puerto Rico is considered a high cost of living area.
The city of San Juan, PR ranked ninth in U.S. News & World Report's Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. 2023 to 2024.
Fort Buchanan is enclaved in the San Juan Metropolitan Area, bordering the cities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Cataño, and Bayamon.
The Fort Buchanan Visitor Control Center phone number is 787-707-3995/3241 or DSN 740-3995.
Location
Puerto Rico is located 1,018 miles southeast of Miami, by plane – approximately 2.5 hours from Miami, 4 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from New York.
Note: Both Spanish and English are the official languages of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The following translations of Spanish traffic signs will help you get around:
Airport arrival
When you arrive to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, you can call an Uber or use the taxi service located right outside the arrival section of the terminal. The cost of the trip is reimbursable (if on orders). Obtain a receipt from the taxi driver if the fare is more than $25.00. If you need help at the airport, contact the Military Personnel Office at Fort Buchanan at 787-707-3897 during duty hours or the DoW Police Desk Sergeant, 787-707-4911, after duty hours.
Traveling with pets
Pets may be picked up at the traveling airline cargo area.
How to Get to Fort Buchanan from the Airport
As you exit the airport, stay in the far-right lane and take the exit for Highway 26. The sign reads “Isla Verde/San Juan.” Highway 26 is also known as the Baldorioty de Castro Highway. Follow signs toward San Juan.
After approximately 1.5 miles, remain in the far-right lane and follow signs for Bayamón/Caguas. After taking the Bayamón/Caguas exit, you will enter the Minillas Tunnel. Continue on the highway for approximately one-half mile, then follow signs toward Bayamón (Highway 22) and take the road to the right.
You will travel west for approximately one mile. Stay in the right lane and look for the Fort Buchanan exit sign, which reads “Fort Buchanan 28 / Cataño 165.”
Note: Before this exit, there is another sign for Fort Buchanan on the left side of the highway. Do not take that exit.
Take the exit for Road 165; the sign will be on your right. Once on Road 165, move into the far-left lane before reaching the first traffic light. At that intersection, turn left onto Road 28. The federal prison will be on your left at the traffic light.
After turning left, pass in front of the federal prison. Continue under the highway bridge; some Fort Buchanan buildings will be visible on your left. At the first traffic light, turn left into Fort Buchanan through the Borinqueneers Gate entrance.
A valid ID card is required at the checkpoint.
There is no on-post transportation in Fort Buchanan, but all facilities are located within walking distance.