As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Puerto Rico: a mid-range day costs about $186 there, against $197 in the other (St. Lucia), a gap of 5.4%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is St. Lucia (+0.7% after inflation, against +0.6%). The lower US advisory belongs to Puerto Rico (Level 1, against Level 2). The easier of the two to travel: Puerto Rico.
| Measure | Puerto Rico | St. Lucia |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $186 | $197 |
| Lean day | $83 | $83 |
| Comfortable day | $414 | $517 |
| Real change, 12 months | +0.6% | +0.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | +3.2% | +3.8% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.4 · Well set up | 3.9 · Well set up |
| Index score | 54 | 47 |
| 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.
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.
The Pitons, rainforest and a honeymoon industry built around both.
The catchResort prices dominate, taxis are costly and the airport transfer to the north is 90 minutes. Take ordinary precautions against crime.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.