Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Carolina Municipio, Puerto Rico
Carolina Municipio has a HUD fair market rent of $706 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $677 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $13.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $706
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% more than in Puerto Rico
- Typical rent
- $677
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% more than in Puerto Rico
- Wage needed
- $13.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $28,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Puerto Rico
Only here
Renting in Carolina Municipio: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Carolina Municipio has the 4th highest typical household income of the 78 municipios in Puerto Rico ($36,958).
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Among the neighboring municipios, Loíza Municipio has the lowest typical rent ($464), 31% below the $677 in Carolina Municipio.
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9% of households in Carolina Municipio have no internet at home, against 17% in Puerto Rico.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Carolina Municipio. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $592 | $11.38 | $23,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $604 | $11.62 | $24,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $706 | $13.58 | $28,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $920 | $17.69 | $36,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,117 | $21.48 | $44,680 |
HUD area: San Juan-Guaynabo, PR HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 5 ZIP codes in Carolina Municipio (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $670 in 00985 to $980 in 00979. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($706).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 00979 | $820 | $840 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00982 | $650 | $660 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,220 |
| 00983 | $600 | $610 | $710 | $930 | $1,120 |
| 00985 | $560 | $570 | $670 | $870 | $1,060 |
| 00987 | $690 | $700 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,300 |
- 00979 $980$1,280
- 00982 $770$1,000
- 00983 $710$930
- 00985 $670$870
- 00987 $820$1,070
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Carolina Municipio, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Puerto Rico, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
20,762 households rent in Carolina Municipio
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Carolina 50%
- Puerto Rico 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Carolina Municipio
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Carolina Municipio: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 2
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 13
3,107 homes in all; 3,105 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sabana Abajo Public housing 1 Res Sabana Abajo, Carolina 00982 500 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $135 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (787) 759-9407
- Monserrate Tower I HUD-assisted 1 Ave Sanchez Osorio, Carolina 00983 304 low-income homes · For families · (787) 752-8370
- Monserrate Tower II HUD-assisted 1 Ave Sanchez Osorio, Carolina 00983 304 low-income homes · For families · (787) 625-7577
- Lagos de Blasina Public housing 1 Ave Roberto Clemente, Carolina 00985 240 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $146 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (787) 759-9407
- Los Mirtos Public housing 2 Res Los Mirtos, Carolina 00987 240 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $132 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (787) 759-9407
- San Anton Apts HUD-assisted Road 848 RAMON FIGUEROA ST, Carolina 00979 184 low-income homes · For families · (787) 625-7544
- Felipe Sanchez Osorio Public housing Carolina 00985 153 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $228 a month · Average wait: 103 months · Homes at several sites · (787) 759-9407
- Roberto Clemente Public housing 1 Clemente Housing, Carolina 00987 126 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $214 a month · (787) 759-9407
- Cata¿to Gardens Public housing Carolina 00985 124 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $214 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (787) 759-9407
- Jardines de Country Club Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Calle 8, Carolina 00983 105 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 762-1500
- El Coral Public housing 2 Res El Faro, Carolina 00985 100 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $159 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (787) 759-9407
- El Faro Public housing 1 Res El Coral, Carolina 00985 100 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $154 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (787) 759-9407
- Villa Esperanza Apartments HUD-assisted 24-16 Calle 35, Carolina 00983 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (787) 768-3015
- Carolina Housing Public housing 1 Carolina Housing, Carolina 00987 92 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $167 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (787) 759-9407
- Santa Catalina Public housing 1 Res Sabana Abajo, Carolina 00982 92 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $187 a month · (787) 759-9407
- La Esmeralda Public housing 1 Res Las Esmeraldas, Carolina 00985 84 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $186 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (787) 759-9407
- Alturas de Country Public housing 582 Ave Iturregui, Carolina 00982 72 homes, 71 low-income · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $139 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (787) 759-9407
- Loma Alta Public housing 1 Res Loma Alta, Carolina 00987 50 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $168 a month · (787) 759-9407
- Cecilia Orta Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Calle Infante, Carolina 49 low-income homes · Studio: 45 · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- La Esmeralda Public Housing 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) Monterrey Ests, Carolina 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2010 · For families
- DANIEL L. FLORES Housing HUD-assisted 203 Calle Ignacio Arzuaga, Carolina 00985 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 701-4120
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Carolina Municipio
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Carolina Municipio. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $14,500 | $14,500 | $23,200 |
| 2 people | $16,600 | $16,600 | $26,500 |
| 3 people | $18,650 | $18,650 | $29,800 |
| 4 people | $20,700 | $20,700 | $33,100 |
| 5 people | $22,400 | $22,400 | $35,750 |
| 6 people | $24,050 | $24,050 | $38,400 |
| 7 people | $25,700 | $25,700 | $41,050 |
| 8 people | $27,350 | $27,350 | $43,700 |
Area median income: $41,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: San Juan-Guaynabo, PR HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $533 – $651
- 1 bedroom $544 – $664
- 2 bedrooms $635 – $777
- 3 bedrooms $828 – $1,012
- 4 bedrooms $1,005 – $1,229
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Municipality of Carolina Section 8 vouchers · 808 vouchers (787) 757-3748 Municipality of Carolina: RQ014carolina@gmail.com
Housing agencies in Puerto Rico Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Puerto Rico
What Puerto Rico law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- Only a court order can remove youCód. Enj. Civ. P.R. arts. 620-633 (32 L.P.R.A. §§2821-2837); Ley Núm. 35 de 21 de noviembre de 1941, art. 1 (33 L.P.R.A. §1881)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Carolina Municipio
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico
839 Calle Anasco Ste 5, San Juan · 6 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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Greenpath Financial Wellness - San Juan Branch
1607 Ave Ponce De Leon, San Juan · 7 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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CCCS of Puerto Rico
1607 Avenue Ponce de Leon, Santurce · 7 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Carolina Municipio. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$1,412
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $706
- Security deposit
- $706
- Total
- $1,412
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Carolina Municipio?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $592; 1 bedroom: $604; 2 bedrooms: $706; 3 bedrooms: $920; 4 bedrooms: $1,117. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Carolina Municipio?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($706) without spending more than 30% of income takes $13.58 an hour full time, or $28,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Carolina Municipio?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $20,700 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Carolina Municipio?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $635 and $777 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Carolina Municipio?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $670 in 00985 to $980 in 00979. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Carolina Municipio?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Carolina Municipio: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Carolina Municipio?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Carolina Municipio, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Puerto Rico, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).