What are the cons of living in Puerto Rico?

Cons of Living in Puerto Rico
  • Poor Economy. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico has a somewhat poor economy. ...
  • Cars are More Expensive. Cars are much more expensive in Puerto Rico than on the mainland. ...
  • Private Schools are Necessary. ...
  • Cultural Differences. ...
  • Difficulty Shopping Online. ...
  • Dangerous Hurricane Season. ...
  • Poor Public Transportation.


What problems does Puerto Rico have?

The debate over Puerto Rico's statehood remains as relevant as ever, as the island struggles with the combined effects of economic depression, shrinking population, debt crisis and bankruptcy, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government mismanagement.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Puerto Rico?

With an average salary of around 1800$, people of Puerto Rico can live relatively comfortably, even with the high prices throughout the country. Even though the rent is high and the utilities are through the roof, most people can afford to pay them and still have something left on the side.


What are the disadvantages of Puerto Rico becoming a state?

List of the Cons of Puerto Rico Statehood
  • Statehood would change the shape of U.S. politics nationally. ...
  • Statehood would change the number of electoral votes needed for a presidential election. ...
  • Statehood wouldn't change the voting patterns of the island. ...
  • Statehood would mean the citizens would start paying federal taxes.


Is it a good idea to move to Puerto Rico?

Moving to Puerto Rico is a great experience for those that enjoy tropical weather and living near the beach. The weather in Puerto Rico is one of the primary reasons to consider moving there. It is warm or hot year-round in Puerto Rico. Temperatures average at around eighty degrees for the year.


Living in Puerto Rico—5 PROS & CONS [My Experience]



Why are people leaving Puerto Rico?

“The declining population of Puerto Rico in part is due to the economic crisis created by the elimination of Section 936,” Feliciano said. The economic struggles have accelerated brain drain on the islands, as the young and ambitious leave to attend school or join the U.S. military.

Why are houses in Puerto Rico so cheap?

Right now Puerto Rico is in a debt crisis which has caused real estate prices to fall. In some cases, they are 25% to 30% lower than they have been in over a decade!

Do Americans move to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes?

If you move to the island, you can legally pay none. There's also no capital gains tax. You just have to give 4 percent of your income to Puerto Rico. The tax break was started by a Puerto Rican politician who'd watched years of high taxes fail to improve life on the island.


Does Puerto Rico pay taxes?

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens; however, Puerto Rico is not a U.S. state, but a U.S. insular area. Consequently, while all Puerto Rico residents pay federal taxes, many residents are not required to pay federal income taxes.

Can a US citizen just move to Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898 when the U.S. acquired it at the end of the Spanish-American war. (It also happens to be the most populated U.S. territory!) If you're a U.S. citizen, this means an easy transition for you. No need for work permits or visas if you decide to relocate.

Can I collect Social Security if I move to Puerto Rico?

No matter where in the United States you live, your Social Security retirement, disability, family or survivor benefits do not change. Along with the 50 states, that includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.


What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Rico?

Important Facts You Need to Know Before Moving to Puerto Rico
  • You Don't Need a Passport. ...
  • Puerto Rico's Tax Benefits Come with Strict Requirements. ...
  • Getting a Puerto Rico Driver's License is Not Easy. ...
  • They Use Cash more than Credit Cards in Puerto Rico. ...
  • Knowing Spanish Can Be Very Helpful, but isn't Required.


What should I worry about in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico Safety FAQs

In Puerto Rico visitors should avoid wandering mindlessly, staying in sketchy places, leaving their belongings unattended in beaches or restaurants, and going outside tourist areas without a guide if they aren't familiar with the area they're visiting.

Are doctors in Puerto Rico good?

You are in Good Hands

In terms of health care, Puerto Rico is well-equipped and reliable. There are plenty of top-quality doctors, hospitals, and health centers all around the island that are ready to provide you with the best care and treatment.


What rights do Puerto Rican citizens have?

Puerto Rico has a constitution that provides for self-government in most local matters and includes the right to elect a governor and two-house legislature. Puerto Ricans are exempt from the federal income tax, but pay into Social Security.

How long can a US citizen stay in Puerto Rico?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is the online visa with which you can travel to Puerto Rico or any other state of the United States. This visa allows multiple entries within 2 years, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry.

Do homeowners pay property taxes in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico real property is subject to an annual real property tax. This tax is computed based on property values that date back to the fiscal year 1957–1958 (which was the last time that a general appraisal was conducted by the government).


What is Act 60 in Puerto Rico?

The Tax Incentive Code, known as “Act 60”, provides tax exemptions to businesses and investors that relocate to, or are established in, Puerto Rico.

How long do you have to live in Puerto Rico to be a resident?

The term 'resident individual' means an individual who is domiciled in Puerto Rico. It should be presumed that an individual is a resident of Puerto Rico if they have been present in Puerto Rico for a period of 183 days during the calendar year.

Do Puerto Ricans file US tax returns?

If you're a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico during the entire tax year, you generally aren't required to file a U.S. federal income tax return if your only income is from sources within Puerto Rico.


What happens to abandoned houses in Puerto Rico?

“Any abandoned property that has a mortgage will be subject to a judicial foreclosure process. Until then, the ownership will be retained by its lawful owners,” he said. “Then if they are finally foreclosed, it will become a real estate owned (REO) property of the particular bank.

What is the best part of Puerto Rico to live in?

The top-rated city in Puerto Rico is Dorado. Bucana Barrio is the safest on the island. (It's also the smallest barrio.) Rio Mar is the 2nd-most walkable city in PR.

Can a US citizen buy a house in Puerto Rico?

Because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, there are no restrictions on Americans acquiring property on the island. Another advantage is that U.S. citizens don't have to go through customs when traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland—this can be a big time saver.


How much does the average house in Puerto Rico cost?

The median listing home price in San Juan, PR was $390K in November 2022, trending down -3.1% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $312.