Alaska vs Puerto Rico
Alaska vs. Puerto Rico – Property‑Tax Comparison
Intro
Both Alaska and Puerto Rico levy property taxes that are reported in the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). The two jurisdictions differ markedly in effective tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. The following sections present the data side‑by‑side, identify which jurisdiction has the lower property‑tax burden, and outline the types of buyers for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.50 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $124,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $627 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,258 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,516 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $25,096 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which Jurisdiction Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): Puerto Rico
- Rate difference: 0.63 percentage points, which represents a 55.69 % lower effective property‑tax rate in Puerto Rico compared with Alaska.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,581 less in Puerto Rico.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $3,162 less in Puerto Rico.
The lower rate in Puerto Rico is the primary factor that makes its overall property‑tax burden lighter, despite its lower median home values and household incomes. For reference, the calculations use the effective rates supplied by the ACS data and apply them to the specified home‑price scenarios.
Who Might Find This Comparison Useful?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative cost of owning a home in each jurisdiction can affect budgeting and long‑term affordability decisions. |
| Retirees | Lower property taxes can reduce fixed‑income expenses; Puerto Rico’s lower rate may be attractive, though other cost‑of‑living factors also matter. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax differential influences cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Relocating families | Combined with median household‑income data, the figures help gauge purchasing power in each market. |
The comparison is strictly based on property‑tax metrics; it does not address other fiscal considerations such as sales taxes, income taxes, or public‑service levels.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax structure: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Puerto Rico’s property‑tax structure: Puerto Rico property tax
Sources
According to U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 American Community Survey, 5‑year estimates), the metrics above represent the most recent publicly available statistics for property taxation in Alaska and Puerto Rico.
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Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.