As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Jamaica: a mid-range day costs about $149 there, against $186 in the other (Puerto Rico), a gap of 24.8%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Puerto Rico (+0.6% after inflation, against −2.2%). The lower US advisory belongs to Puerto Rico (Level 1, against Level 2). The easier of the two to travel: Puerto Rico.
| Measure | Jamaica | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $149 | $186 |
| Lean day | $64 | $83 |
| Comfortable day | $352 | $414 |
| Real change, 12 months | −2.2% | +0.6% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −0.2% | 0.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | −3.0% | +3.2% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 3.6 · Workable | 4.4 · Well set up |
| Index score | 48 | 54 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | May, Jun, Nov | May, Jun, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Beaches, music and mountains, mostly sold as an all-inclusive.
The catchViolent crime is high outside resort areas, and independent travel takes local knowledge. Resort prices are set in dollars.
The Caribbean without a passport for Americans: a walled colonial city, rainforest and surf.
The catchIt is priced like the mainland US, a rental car is needed outside San Juan, and hurricane season runs June to November.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.