RentData

Average Rent in Ponce, PR Rents rising 12.4% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in PR

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 273,739

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Ponce, PR has rental prices ranging from $512/month to $894/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $532/month — 62% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $20,646/year, spending $532/month on a 1-bedroom represents 31% of gross income — at the boundary of affordability.

How Ponce Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $589/month, Ponce ranks #3 most expensive of the 16 cities tracked in PR — more affordable than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The Ponce Rental Market

The Ponce, PR area has a population of about 273,739 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Ponce, PR have risen by $65/month (12.4%) over the past year, from $524 to $589. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Ponce, PR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $21,280. The local median household income of $20,646 falls $634 short of that threshold, meaning many residents in Ponce are housing cost-burdened by conventional measures.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$512
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$532
Average
2 Bedrooms
$589
12.4% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$825
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$894
Expensive
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Is Ponce, PR Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$23,560/year
Local median income: $20,646
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $589/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in PRlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Caguas$490$493$577$809
Fajardo$503$506$589$740
San Juan$552$569$656$861
Yauco$361$369$421$596
Aguadilla$487$490$560$681
Mayagüez$498$518$573$730

Rent or Buy in Ponce?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Ponce data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$589/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $589/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Ponce

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Ponce

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💵Rent Affordability in Ponce

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in PR

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📋PR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections