Cost of Living in Puerto Rico HUD Nonmetro Area

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Puerto Rico HUD Nonmetro Area? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Puerto levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($475/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Puerto Rico HUD Nonmetro Area metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $57,059, or roughly $4,755 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Puerto Rico HUD Nonmetro Area represents approximately 8% of gross income. That is well within the 30% rule of thumb that financial advisors typically recommend, leaving significant room for savings and discretionary spending. Puerto's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.