Renting in Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $573; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 11% less than in Puerto Rico
Typical rent: $536; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 7% less than in Puerto Rico
Wage needed: $11.02; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $22,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 55%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 9% more than in Puerto Rico

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Ponce Municipio: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Nearby, in Guayanilla Municipio, the typical rent is $454: 15% less than in Ponce Municipio ($536).

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 Ponce 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)

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$505	$9.71	$20,200
1 bedroom	$526	$10.12	$21,040
2 bedrooms	$573	$11.02	$22,920
3 bedrooms	$793	$15.25	$31,720
4 bedrooms	$889	$17.10	$35,560

HUD area: Ponce, 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 8 ZIP codes in Ponce Municipio (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $520 in 00717 to $700 in 00780. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($573).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

00715	Ponce, PR	$510	$530	$580	$800	$900
00716	Ponce, PR	$560	$590	$640	$890	$990
00717	Ponce, PR	$460	$480	$520	$720	$810
00728	Ponce, PR	$530	$550	$600	$830	$930
00730	Ponce, PR	$510	$530	$580	$800	$900
00731	Ponce, PR	$460	$470	$520	$710	$800
00731	Puerto Rico	$460	$470	$520	$710	$800
00780	Ponce, PR	$620	$640	$700	$970	$1,090

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
00715 · Ponce, PR $580$800
00716 · Ponce, PR $640$890
00717 · Ponce, PR $520$720
00728 · Ponce, PR $600$830
00730 · Ponce, PR $580$800
00731 · Ponce, PR $520$710
00731 · Puerto Rico $520$710
00780 · Ponce, PR $700$970

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 Ponce Municipio, 55% 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.

55%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

18,259 households rent in Ponce Municipio

Spend half or more of their income 27%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
Spend less than 30% 45%

Compared with the state and the country

Ponce 55%
Puerto Rico 51%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Ponce Municipio

HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Ponce 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): 3
HUD-assisted: 15
public housing: 22

7,361 homes in all; 7,214 of them low-income, according to HUD.

DR Pila Iglesias, Ponce Public housing 15 Res Dr Pila, Ponce 00716 586 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $96 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (787) 759-9407
Aristides Chavier, Ponce Public housing 12 Rest Arstds Chavier, Ponce 00728 480 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $123 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (787) 759-9407
DR Rafael Lopez Nussa Public housing 1 Res Lopez Nussa, Ponce 00717 404 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $120 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (787) 759-9407
Lirios del Sur Public housing 10 Res Lirios Del Sur, Ponce 00716 400 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $106 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (787) 759-9407
Ernesto Ramos Antonini Public housing 24 R E Ramos Antonini, Ponce 00716 350 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $128 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (787) 759-9407
La Ceiba Housing Cooperative HUD-assisted PO Box 511, Ponce 00715 348 homes, 305 low-income · For families · (787) 843-0255
La Ceiba Public housing 16 Res La Ceiba, Ponce 00716 300 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $133 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (787) 759-9407
Ponce de Leon, Ponce Public housing Ponce 00717 300 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $129 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (787) 759-9407
Santiago Iglesias, Ponce Public housing 10 Res Stgo Iglesias, Ponce 00730 280 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $96 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (787) 759-9407
Perla del Caribe Public housing B Res Perla Del Caribe, Ponce 00730 272 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $93 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (787) 759-9407
DR Jose N Gandara, Ponce Public housing Cond Granada, Ponce 00717 270 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $121 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (787) 759-9407
Gianna Laura Towers HUD-assisted 1 Gianna Laura Apts I, Ponce 00716 260 low-income homes · For families · (787) 840-4990
Las Americas Housing HUD-assisted 2070 Avenida Las Americas, Ponce 00717 250 low-income homes · For families · (787) 840-1370
Pedro J Rosaly Public housing 18 Res Pedro J Rosaly, Ponce 00717 238 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $125 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (787) 759-9407
Ext DR Pila 2nd Ext. Public housing Cond Alcazar, Ponce 00716 200 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $94 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (787) 759-9407
Villas del Caribe HUD-assisted KM 22.1 State RD 132 RD, Ponce 00731 200 low-income homes · For families · (787) 284-3390
Los Rosales Public housing 21 Res Los Rosales, Ponce 00730 180 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $134 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (787) 759-9407
Jose Tormos Diego Public housing 1 Res Tormos Diego, Ponce 00730 168 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $124 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (787) 759-9407
Portugues, Ponce Public housing 1 Res Portuguez, Ponce 00730 152 homes, 151 low-income · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $102 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (787) 759-9407
Ponce Darlington Tax credit (LIHTC) 9113 Calle Marina, Ponce 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 151 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Silver Valley Public housing Cond Copper Vw, Ponce 00728 150 homes, 149 low-income · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $200 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (787) 759-9407
Ponce Housing Public housing 10 Res Ponce Housing, Ponce 00730 131 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $116 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (787) 759-9407
Ext Manuel de la Pila Public housing Ponce 00716 120 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $106 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (787) 759-9407
Caribe, Ponce Public housing Ponce 00731 116 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $191 a month · (787) 759-9407
Villa Elena Public housing Ponce 00730 100 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $136 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (787) 759-9407
Villa Machuelo HUD-assisted Res Villa Machuelo, Ponce 00730 100 low-income homes · For families · (787) 840-4855
Miramar Housing HUD-assisted 5ta Sec Jardines. DEL CARIBE, Ponce 00728 96 low-income homes · For families · (787) 843-3676
Sagrado Corazon Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted 1 ANAIDA Street, Ponce 00731 84 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 843-2592
Villa Ponce Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted La Rambla- Final 4th ST, Ponce 00731 95 homes, 82 low-income · For older adults · (787) 840-8380
PETRA SOTO PASCUAL Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted Mun Vayas Torres Ward, Ponce 00731 67 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 848-5246
Egida del Policia Zona Sur Tax credit (LIHTC) 7719 Calle Dr Tommayrac, Ponce 66 low-income homes · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 56 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Egida del Policia Zona Sur HUD-assisted B-12 Mariani Ext Pomayrac ST, Ponce 00731 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 840-6876
Hogar Josefina Vassallo HUD-assisted D3 - B Street, Ponce 00733 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 843-7980
Centro San Luis HUD-assisted 8 Carr 123 Ofc ADM, Ponce 00728 54 low-income homes · For families · (787) 840-1035
Perla de Bucana Public housing A Res Perla Del Caribe, Ponce 00730 50 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $180 a month · (787) 759-9407
Campeche Elderly Tower HUD-assisted 37 Campeche ST, Ponce 00731 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 843-0033
Casa Dorada Ernesto Rodriguez HUD-assisted 2709 Calle Jobos, Ponce 00717 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 259-9605
Mayor housing HUD-assisted 12 Calle Mora, Ponce 00730 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 843-9568
Cana Housing Public housing Ponce 00728 9 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · (787) 759-9407
La Trinidad Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Calle Castillo, Ponce 89 homes

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Ponce 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 Ponce Municipio. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ponce, PR HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$11,100	$11,100	$17,800
2 people	$12,700	$12,700	$20,300
3 people	$14,300	$14,300	$22,850
4 people	$15,850	$15,850	$25,350
5 people	$17,150	$17,150	$27,400
6 people	$18,400	$18,400	$29,450
7 people	$19,700	$19,700	$31,450
8 people	$20,950	$20,950	$33,500

Area median income: $30,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ponce, PR HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $455 – $556
1 bedroom $473 – $579
2 bedrooms $516 – $630
3 bedrooms $714 – $872
4 bedrooms $800 – $978

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 Ponce Section 8 vouchers · 1,611 vouchers (787) 840-9200 Municipality of Ponce: seccion8ponce@ponce.pr.gov

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 rule

Compare 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 Ponce Municipio

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Ponce Municipio. They counsel for free or at low cost.

PN
Ponce Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

57 Calle Mendez Vigo, Ponce
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
(787) 841-5055

See every agency in Puerto Rico Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ponce Municipio. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Ponce Municipio (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $573. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$1,146

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $573
Security deposit: $573
Total: $1,146

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Ponce Municipio?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $505; 1 bedroom: $526; 2 bedrooms: $573; 3 bedrooms: $793; 4 bedrooms: $889. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Ponce Municipio?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($573) without spending more than 30% of income takes $11.02 an hour full time, or $22,920 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ponce Municipio?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $15,850 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 Ponce 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 $516 and $630 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ponce Municipio?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $520 in 00717 to $700 in 00780. 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 Ponce Municipio?

HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Ponce 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 Ponce Municipio?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ponce Municipio, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Puerto Rico, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Ponce Municipio: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Ponce Municipio

The Section 8 voucher in Ponce Municipio

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Puerto Rico

Where to get help with rent in Ponce Municipio

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Ponce Municipio?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Ponce Municipio?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ponce Municipio?

How much does Section 8 pay in Ponce Municipio?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ponce Municipio?

How many low-income apartments are there in Ponce Municipio?

How many households spend too much on rent in Ponce Municipio?