California vs Puerto Rico
Property Tax Comparison: California vs. Puerto Rico
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property‑tax rates and related figures for California and Puerto Rico differ noticeably. California’s median home value and household income are substantially higher than those in Puerto Rico, while Puerto Rico’s property‑tax rate is lower. The table below summarizes the key metrics that are relevant for homeowners, retirees, and other property owners.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | California | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.50 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $124,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $627 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,258 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,516 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $25,096 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which jurisdiction has the lower tax burden?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): Puerto Rico
- Rate difference: 0.21 % (approximately 28.97 % lower than California)
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $513
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,026
Because the effective property‑tax rate in Puerto Rico (0.50 %) is lower than California’s rate (0.71 %), the overall tax burden on comparable property values is reduced in Puerto Rico. The calculations above are derived directly from the effective rates applied to the example home values.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence could affect annual property‑tax expenses. |
| Prospective home buyers | Evaluating the cost of ownership relative to median home values and local tax rates. |
| Retirees | Assessing affordability of housing when fixed incomes are considered; lower taxes may improve disposable income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Comparing potential after‑tax cash flow on similar‑priced properties in the two jurisdictions. |
| Policy analysts | Using the effective tax rates and income data to examine fiscal impacts on households. |
The data are purely descriptive; they do not account for other tax categories (e.g., income tax, sales tax) or non‑tax costs such as insurance, utilities, or maintenance.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed information on Puerto Rico’s property‑tax system: Puerto Rico property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented here reflect average conditions and should be supplemented with local assessments for specific properties.
Explore More Comparisons
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.