Is it hard for a US citizen to move to Puerto Rico?

Legally, no: PR is a US territory, so any US citizen can fly in, rent or buy property, and become a PR resident on day one with no visa, no residence permit, and no immigration paperwork. A US passport or driver’s licence is sufficient. Practical friction begins after landing rather than at the border. Cars typically ship from the mainland via barge ($1,200 to $2,000 plus federal and PR import processing). Household goods follow on the same carriers. Banking is local rather than national-chain in most cases, though some mainland banks (USAA, Charles Schwab) work normally. Driver’s licences need to be exchanged for PR licences within 30 days of residency. Medical and legal professionals need PR-specific licensing. Spanish is widely spoken alongside English, but day-to-day government, hospital, and retail interactions are easier with conversational Spanish. The headline cost question is the operational hurdle most movers actually feel rather than legal entry. For the full cost picture, see our Puerto Rico cost of living page.