Should you Retire in Puerto Rico - Pros and Cons
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- The quintessential retirement destination people envision is usually Florida. But Florida has gotten really expensive lately. So where else can you retire. If you leave the US you need to worry about visa requirements and foreign taxes. But what about retiring to a Caribbean Island that is a US territory and you may offer you tax breaks? Puerto Rico is a great option to consider for retirement. I'll go over health care, housing costs, and day to day costs of living in Puerto Rico. I'll give you the pros and cons of retiring in Puerto Rico.
My other UA-cam Channel
/ how2beach
link to health ins. in Puerto Rico
salud.grupotri...
FYI...by definition, American Citizens are NOT EXPATS in Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans are natural born United States of America Citizens. You simply change residency if you moved full time to PR otherwise, it like moving to Florida, New York or Utah... :)
I am aware of this fact. But Puertoricans differentiate themselves from people that move there from the mainland. It's kind of a sticky situation.
@@TheRetirementality - The sticky part is mastering the Spanish language. My grand parents were Spanish citizens and became U.S Citizens 107 years ago, lived in P.R. and never spoke English. It wasn't necessary here in Puerto Rico. Be sophisticated by learning a second language, that's the secret!
There are more US Vets per capita in PR then any US state and damn proud of it, one hint carry your own hand soap and tissue when going out 🤔
we Puerto Ricans don't see it that way.
You better learn castellano. Gringo
Thanks to your help, my gf and bought a place in the west coast a year ago, and have been living our best lives! If we ever meet, dinners on us, thank you!! 🇵🇷🌴🌞
That's awesome. We need to spend more time on the west end. We don't usually make it past Boquerón.
Were not far from Boqueron. We prefer the calm waves & laid back vibes the southern part of the island offers, similar to your area.
@@mannyp5823 My wife likes to go there for oysters
Surviving in Puerto Rico, one must have the "Hurricane Maria " mentality. Always be prepared to go on your own for survival. Don't depend on the government, but do rely on your neighbors for help. Earthquakes, hurricanes, heat waves. blackouts, poor water supply, government agencies always on coffee brakes, no phones or internet, but still, I love Puerto Rico and am enjoying my retirement here (over 30 Years). In case of a nuclear war, it is better here, than living in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, etc. Alway be prepared for at least 3 to 6 months for any emergency. Get at least 1/2 acre and grow your own food. When the SHTF, no one is going to feed you!
That is all very true. You pretty much just get to the point where you're ready for anything and you stop stressing out.
Good information.
@@kengaroo5170 thanks
SHTF 😂
Thanks, for being honest about living in PR. Retired here for over seven years. Yes, the housing cost is cheap I paid 75k for my home but spent over 150k on renovation which includes a major solar system with 0 electric bill. AC running 24/7 the heat is unbearable during the summer months and the damn bugs. You forgot to mention the barking dogs at night. I now only spend six months there and travel back to the mainland for six months to escape the heat and bugs. But overall my expenses are very low. I paid no property taxes and water and sewer is only 28 dollars. And, of course no electric bills and hot water from solar. Would love to get a swimming pool one day.
Oh man, I have a barking dog in the house behind me too. And they have parrots that live on the porch and squawk all the time. I would get solar if I lived there full time. Thanks for watching.
I wonder what solar companies are down there… i used to sell solar
@@Katkattarotandparanormal They have a few. I think Pro Solar is one.
What no mention of the chickens crowing all night lol that’s what seven years will do? I moved back to the US and that’s what I missed and the Coqui
Just got solar how do u make money?
In your grocery review you did not mention that the reason that the prices are so high is that the USA Dept of Agriculture controls and demands that produce be brought in from the mainland. Although much of this could be grown in PR, it is not allowed as it is under control of the USA. My in-laws operate a dairy in the west of PR and the Dept of Agriculture is always on them to reduce their production as to allow more dairy to be brought from the mainland. Also, the Jones Act is responsible for the reason normal household goods cost are as high as they are. The USA and Crowley shipping have a horrible stranglehold on the island. The USA is a horrible and irresponsible colonizer. Puerto Rico is the oldest and longest held colony in the world.
I knew about the Jones Act but not about those other things. Crowley controls everything over in the USVI too. Probably in the whole Caribbean.
I was born in San Juan and grew up on the East Coast. When you are a child, teenager, or in your 20s, Puerto Rico is your Island of adventure, the Pirate of the Caribbean. But when you are a Senior, you better be out of the Island and live in the main land. The medical system there is not recommended; calling an ambulance is a waste of time; you will wait for an hour for one if you are lucky, and when you arrive at the hospital and survive, you are blessed. Dealing with the electric company is challenging, and paying bills is another story. You are blessed if you have water every day (good water), have your bottle of Palmolive, and be ready to get a bath on the beach you have at the end of the street or in your pool. For generations, people from the Islands had to travel to PR for shopping and services they don't have on their other islands Islands. If you really want to have a good life there, be connected with the native people of the Island; they will feed you and teach you how things work there. :) have fun
Lots to take in with your comment. I can relate to all of it. And that is how we found PR in the first place. We came over from STT to do some shopping and get off of our island. But, everything you mentioned is something to think about for anyone considering to live there.
I'm a puertorican, just retired and my dream to retire there is in a magazine. Property taxes and Ivu taxes and medical attention, well I hope your healthy. No fear mongering, going to government agencies to resolve problems an all-day thing and hope they don't close doors, because the secretary the stamps and processes is on vacation. Yup, no worries, leave your demands behind 😉 cause it doesn't matter your urgency does not matter. Locals are being drained from every penny. Oh, those property taxes we have to pay because of the lovely comfortable tax breaks ...tax breaking the puertorican. Not to mention the horrible gentrification displacing locals. Don't get fooled by our smile. We are resentful don't be fooled here in Puerto Rico.
@@dcuevas24 Interesting take on all of this. I've experience these things on other islands too. I always say "island living isn't like the idea the chamber of commerce sells you".
Truth!!! I started visiting my wife’s family in 1998 it was wonderful a nice break from the USA and all our problems, I eventually made the move and stayed 4 years until my spouse and I broke up 5 years later I returned to a very different PR and yes the health care system sucks my former spouse had what would have been a treatable cancer in the US, it was terminal by the time she got any level of proper care and not for lack of skill on the part of the staff, understaffing with no supplies etc etc she passed and my mother in law 3 weeks later, it was the neighborhood who fed me kept me going and I had a soul tearing moment when I felt I had to leave, I am a gringo but I love and miss my PR family
@@guytwombly2955 I'm sorry to hear about your experience. We have nephews who work in the healthcare system in PR, and they always have sad stories to tell about exactly what you mentioned.
Essential oils for the ants: peppermint, cinnamon, orange, lemon, lavender, clove, cedar wood and citronella. Mix them in a spray bottle and spray everywhere. It works.
I'm not there enough to be consistent with something like this
Totally get it-i asked around and I was told by my mother in law who lives in PR-get Irish spring soap, slice it up in thin slivers and place in corners where ants and bugs are-windowsills and doors. Hope it helps.
Essential oils in vinegar is my go to here in southern Mexico.
@@OhMissLo a bar of Irish spring can be used like you would drawing with a piece of chalk. Draw boundaries around windows doors and block ant routes with it. I live in Islote. ❤
@@Lauratheexplorer365Yessss-that works also
Thank you for saying that Puerto Rico is good Im going back to my Island April of 2025
Congrats! La Isla del Encanto
Thank you for sharing and pointing out the pros and cons. I really enjoyed your video.
Happy birthday! 🎉
This helps solidify that we want to short term travel 2-3 months max per destination and return to home base in between to enjoy 3 of the 4 with seasons. NOT Winter... Btw, love the nature noises in the background.
Thank you. I'm going to be doing a video about slow travel versus being an expat soon. We've been thinking about these options too.
This video was great. I look forward to an expat video soon.
I was born and raised in Arecibo Puerto Rico, but I have been living in the states for 41 years on and off, I bought a house back in the late 90ies moved back but after three years I left, it sucks to work there, I don’t t know if I could go back when I retire because the roads suck and the infrastructure is not the best, but who knows, for now I stay in Florida. Great video.
Yea, when people say PR is the US, I say technically it is but you have to go there to see the real differences.
I left back in 2001, and have visited only 4 times. I am too grown to be naive about living out in the island and it’s unfortunate. But we do got to understand that living in an island is a struggle for those that don’t have the money. PR government need to change, the US laws for PR need to change. Above all, PR is being sold piece by piece and that’s even worst! Wish more Puerto Ricans buy land and property, if they can. Stop selling PR to non natives!
Nice views & congratulations 🎊🎉🍾
Happy late birthday! I'm 50 just got approved for the VA Section 8 housing voucher which allows porting to Territories. I'll be moving permanently to Puerto Rico in about 12 months' time. It's just myself alone possibly with dog.
Good luck. If you haven't been before you should go and do a trial run to make sure you like it before you burn the boats.
I've done my fair share of traveling globally, PR is the best option of available Territories or Commonwealths like Virgin Islands, Guam, A. Samoa etc... my door is always open for a cup of Joe too.
Your plan sounds awesome dude...Sounds like a dream come true to me.....Good luck fellow human...This is to sigsolo1
Wow, it is beautiful where you are. Maria was recovered well in that area. Felicidades. 🎉🎉🎉🎉😢😢someday, i may be able to go to Puerto Rico and recover my family's property.
Updated and modern
Thank you! I hope you are able to do that. I know that process can be complicated. buena suerte
Fantastic balanced and honest video. Very well done. I am planning to move there in less than a year.
Good luck. You'll have to stick around and keep me posted on how you like it.
Don't need to buy mangos from the supermarket.... when in season there's always a tree. Really a good presentation you made.
I had a neighbor in St. Thomas with a mango tree. I need to make friend in Puerto Rico with one for sure. 😆
@TheRetirementality just in case... the scenic road to Maunabo is nice... there are a couple of spots where you can catch some nice photo views.
I am always for traveling if you can. Do that year! And your advice to go where you’re interested in living for 6 months is def right on!
The feeling after 6 months will get you past those vacation vibes and show you what it's really like.
Best beaches are on the south west of the island in my opinion! Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches my favorite beach used to be playa buye but it’s been ruined by tourists now close second is el combate
I don't think I've been to Playa Buye but I do like El Combate.
Thank you
Just Went a few days ago to Adjuntas and first time in Buyé!!!! Is amazing amazing gorgeous beach😍but Los mosquitoes y mimes bombarded me in the mountains and even got the flu and who knows if was the dengue😮 so sad that a tiny thing 🐜🐞 made my mom and I cut the 11 days trip to only 4!!! The only thing you forgot to add is the coquis🐸and roosters 🐔I love them... the barking of dogs Nooooo because if they bark at night is like an alarm sounding off for intruders or just night people walking by even though the house has rejas all over it its scarry😂 overall you nailed it!!! I personally never being to humacao ...only Luquillo❤and Fajardo...and me too think like you ...6 months in PR 6 months in FL 50%50%
We are blessed to have the flexibility😍🎉
I lived in Isla Verde for 4 years and loved it 😊 I shall return for vacation?
We love Pinones. I was just there a couple of days ago.
This was one of the best videos I have seen on life and prices in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico food prices to me, were unbelievable and very expensive compared to where I live here in South Texas. The summer heat here is also unbearable, we get between 95-100 degrees every day in July and August, but living here all my life I am used to it. I have visited a few cities in Mexico and that country is so affordable to live in on a Pension (I retired last year in sept at age 57). I retired debt free, so I am doing fine with my savings and Pension income. My total Monthly bills are less than 1k. I have always wondered about life in Puerto Rico and the cost, and your video answered many of those questions! Honestly, Mexico looks like a better deal for me, and I speak decent Spanish which I learned from living here in South Texas, as we have many Families of Mexican heritage here. Thanks again for the great video!
Thanks Willie. Puerto Rico is pretty cool. You should still go check it out. I grew up in Boerne so I love TX too. That is awesome that you have a pension. Congrats on retiring early.
@@TheRetirementality Thank you! I am in San Antonio, so you know the Mexican influence here. I know the Spanish in Puerto Rico is a bit different, I sometimes have trouble with Puerto Rican spanish, they speak so fast. Lol.
@@williesteele4503 Yea, my wife is from Spain and she speaks really fast too. But sometimes she has to have them repeat things.
Just to say Mexico is another country and PR is part of the US
@@rosenunez4328 Yes! I am very aware of this..I have been visiting Mexico since 1998. To be specific, since 1901 Puerto Rico is considered and "unincorporated territory, a commonwealth of the USA. and the US Dollar is the currency.
I enjoyed your video and the comments. All very informative.
Thank you!
I bought my home in November 2020 in San Lorenzo. Not too far from you. Maybe 30 minutes. I paid $145,000 for a 4 bed 2 bath on an acre of land. I paid about $86,000 to gut and refurbish it. All paid off. I did however install a solar system $381.00 monthly. I have no other expenses other than food and home maintenance that I do myself. The neighbors are great, friendly and helpful. If I had stayed in West Palm Beach Florida I would not have been able to retire completely. I would have had to continue working until I died. I don’t regret moving to PR not one moment. And yes, PR has its pros and cons but as far as I’m concerned it has more pros than cons. I’ve been actually living in my house for the past 2.5 years and I’ve seen a lot, but I still haven’t really seen much of the island. I was born here and visited quite often and I’m glad I could retire here on my island. Florida was good but I have no reason to go back there nor do I miss it. I only miss some of my dearest friends but they always find time to come and visit.
Great comment. Of all the comments this video has, not many from anyone else that has done it. I'm glad you are enjoying your life in PR.
Muchas felicidades que disfrutes de tu retiro y seas muy feliz junto a tu pareja y familia.que sean muy felices...gracias por compartir el video.
Gracias por ver mi video!
I live in Florida
Thank you for the information
Thanks for watching. I'm going to do another video that is a little more dialed in on the money soon.
I can’t believe the cost for food 😮. Thank you for the infor.
Yea, it is more expensive on the island.
Yes, but PR is cheap.compared to the VI. Ever.go.to.Starfish Market on St. John? 😲😲😲
AWESOME 👏🏼 thanks for the info
Thanks for watching. I'm going to do another video about what it cost to operate my house here so stay tuned for that.
We bought 2009 and retired here permanently 2013. Yes challenges but you learn to adapt and find what you need. We now are selling our home in Luquillo. We now have two grandchildren that the son and daughter in law said they weren’t having any. We want to see them grow up.
Well, you had 10 years to enjoy the island. And you can always come back. We like going over to Luquillo.
Im PRican, Very happy for you and very informational video. Ive lived in DR, loves it, now i love Colombia! I considerate cheaper, better, in every aspect you came up with. Love the country side of Colombia. Peace out Vic
Thank you. I used to have the DR on my radar but had some Dominicans tell me how dangerous it was and why they left. But Columbia looks very interesting. We want to go there and check things out.
@@TheRetirementality DR has a lot of petty crime, unlike PR being #1 in homecides in the Caribbean sad to say. Colombia big cities have the usual crime, but the small town and country side is out of this world. Fertile land, good humble people. Off the grid, and live like a king at 3k a month, or very well at 2k. Medical and dental, pennies on the dollar. gold is cheap when buying from the miners. Shooo even gas is a little cheaper then the states. Good luck and im from Ponce.
Can you tell me where i can look to find info on costs of living in Columbia? Maybe some cheaper areas?
You could buy all your fruit and vegetables in Anton Ruiz farmers market in Naguabo close to your home 👋
ohhh, that is a great tip. Thank you. I'm going to check that out. Thank you.
FYI…if you do not have Puerto Rican heritage/ethnicity and are an American Citizen…you ARE an EXPAT! That’s how we Puerto Ricans view it!
You are very informative i bought a pieces of land in Salina to build on,,happily retired renting the most cozy full house til my house get build im in love with my rental close to my family's officially permanently i should be here before the cold hit nyc. Love waking up with the sound of rosters they are my alarm clock.
That's great! Good luck with the build. Fall asleep to the coquis and wake up to the roosters.
You could learn to eat local vegetables and fruits... there are farmers' markets in some areas.
I haven't seen any farmers markets around my area. The only farms I know of close to me are palm tree farms.
My mother lives in Juana Diaz and its ok. I'm basically what you call a NY Rican and retired US Navy. Really looking forward to buying property in PR to reside and to rent out. Greatly appreciate the content.
You can add that we have the lowest car insurance for the USA and it's possesions (maybe in the world.)
Supe que vas más bien and that’s a thought crowd👼🏻
Good work💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋
Gracias
We are visiting PR at the end of May this year for our 30th wedding anniversary and a vow renewal ceremony. My wife and I considered purchasing a home in PR after we visited twice in 2016. But, after Hurricanes Irma & Maria in 2017, we put that idea on hold…. If we did, purchase a home there in the future, we’d definitely have to buy a Generac back-up generator and a portable dual fuel generator(have a Generac at our home in Northern Virginia, turns on automatically after about 5 seconds-and have a portable dual fuel-gasoline and propane-generator).
Wish I could have a pool installed for $50K here in northern Virginia…it’s going to cost us about $120K; not including having tiles installed on the pool deck, fence around the pool, and pool cover (for the 5 months/year it won’t be used).
Yea you might have a dodged a bullet not purchasing in 2016. Generator is a must too. I'm not sure what it would cost to put this pool in my house in FL I'm sure more than $50K. I hope you have a great trip when you come back down. I've got some good Puerto Rico beach content over on my other channel How2Beach.
I'm watching this from Chicago, it's -1 degrees F.
Spare me the "It's too hot" stuff.
Ha! You can rent my house in PR for a little vacation to get the hell out of there. 😅
Thanks for the video. I am ex Military and my family and are coming to Puerto Rico next month to check it out. Glad you pointed out the Expat areas. I would like to be close to the VA Medical Center. Looking outside of San Juan area.
You'll have to check back in with me and tell me what you thought after your visit. I have videos about different beaches over on my other channel @How2Beach if you want to check them out.
Puerto Rico can be a great place to live if you adjust your mindset and acknowledge that it is not , nor will be a carbon copy of your USA lifestyle. I believe the gentleman in the video got this idea across very well even taking into account the heat and the bugs. Welcome to Puerto Rico , the puertoricans love this island / country very much too!
Thanks. I think it takes 6 months before you really get what it's like to live somewhere. It's never like it is in the brochure.
We just visited PR for a week and stayed in San Juan. Its definitely a 3rd world country and a nice place to visit. Im fluent in Spanish and my Wife is a "NewYorican" who up until now has never been there. She has a LOT of health issues and if she gets bit by one mosquito swells up like a balloon. Im thinking we'll just pass on the whole idea of living there and make repeated trips to there if we need to get away. Thanks for sharing your life and opinions 🙏
Yea I'd say it's not a good fit for you. I was just there for a couple of weeks and had a couple of different visitors. It was interesting to see how some of them had legs full of bites after a few days and some of them didn't. It's not for everyone.
@TheRetirementality I feel that the United States should completely give Puerto Rico to them via a treaty on calendar year 2045 and let them be 100% sovereign. Just my 2 cents. The United States did the same thing for the Panama Canal and they're doing extremely well for themselves. They need to make their country "their own" and take pride of ownership
I agree! Beee ing from PR❤🎉
Great Info--very concise on the big and little stuff.. Great!!! Appreciate all the effort to put together fantastic Video...
Thank you. There is a lot to consider. I tried to at least touch on them so everyone know what they need to think about.
New subscriber thank younfor this video. I got a lonnnnnng way to go but i want to maximize as much of my pension and social security when i decided to retire
Thanks. I've got quite a few videos about PR on my channel and lots more videos about retiring. I hope you find lots of good info.
Thank you, I have subscribed to the channel. Now, I want to go on that boat 😮
Thanks Darrell.... A boat is always a good day. I went out on a boat yesterday.
FYI if you want a condo in San Juan is going to cost more than $450 it doesn't matter the area
I adore my hometown Arecibo but if I were to retire from where I'm from I like to live in Vega Baja for a change. My hometown will always be in my heart and my soul even if I retire in Mongolia.
Dude, absolutely love the large Puertorican flag. Such a compliment to the U.S.flag. ❤
Thanks. I got a couple of locals to help with the design.
Your Doctor appointment could be on a 12 month intervals or any cancellation you could get in earlier best thing to do like he mentioned boots on the ground,the island is extremely beautiful no question
Just learning to deal with island time can be a big hurdle for some people.
What can I expect if I wanted to grow a vegetable garden there? Do they sell seeds? can I import seeds? etc..
I enjoyed your opinions on semi retirement life in PR. What I'd like to ask is, would U know how or do they tax us if we move there with our 401k's & pensions? If i want to live there from January til June? Thanks and keep up the gr8 vids
so you live two streets away from my sister-in-law. after Hurricane Maria my husband and I picked up over 500 gallons of trash on Punta Santiago Beach. but your comment about the power was way off much longer than a month closer to 6 months. We have land on hill above palmas del mar and are retired 2025 the hill power came back 10 months and three weeks after maria! But i love pr!!
Great Video!!!!! We moved to retire and also to care of a sick family member.
We live 15 minutes out of San Juan and have the best of both worlds.
The lifestyle is real, the constant maintenance is real as well. The cost of living is continuing to become more equal and a better balance.
Healthcare in Puerto Rico is not equal to the states........if you have good health.........it is all about priorities.
Live small with what is necessary.
What is happiness............
Thank you. I hope your retirement and your family are doing well. We are finding the maintenance on everything to be more than we expected too.
This is like the best video I have seen. You covered a lot. What city is that you live in?
Thank you. I wasn't sure if anyone would it because it's so long. But, it is doing really well. My house is in Humacao.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YO!
Thanks!
The way he pronounced “Humacao.” . Lol love it. Enjoy it, brother. I hope to join you in 25 years.
Thanks amigo. 😎
Happy Birthday!
Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, my wife (she's Puerto Rican) & I bought a house in Humacao last year, so we're always in PR. We love it....... Haven't moved there permanently yet.
That's cool. It's a great area to be in.
Is Medicare accepted in Puerto Rico? Since it is a US territory, I thought it might be.
If you have Original Medicare, you have coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Most doctors and hospitals take Original Medicare.
We retired and moved from Massachusetts to Fajardo, PR a few years ago. We got a great deal on a beautiful property with great views not far from the beach. We absolutely love it.
Nice!
That's great. You're not to far from me.
Awesome video!! Thank you so much. I am planing on buying a place but i am not sure if i will buy a condo or house. I dont know if i will be able to live in PR 100 persent so i am leaning towards a condo. Anyway awesome video.
The key is finding a great handyman. I have a guy that cuts the grass and cleans the pool and looks out for the place. He is my third one in 3 years but I think this guy is going to stick around.
I’m a Puerto Rican who lived in NY for 50 years and got disabled. Had to return to PR on SSDI and didn’t save for retirement 🙄 PR is just as expensive as in U.S., you want to take out a girl to a nice restaurant your looking at $120-$160 easily.
I’ve gone on a trip to Colombia twice everything is way more cheaper, the same food at a nice restaurant there would go $60 tops 👍 Uber anywhere in the city $3-$4 in PR freaking $20-$30. I’m definitely going to Colombia as soon I get my 💩 straight 😆.
The one big difference which is holding me back is health insurance that’s one point I give to living in PR and that is Medicare covers you. But when you choose a country like Colombia Medicare won’t cover. So I’d have to look into getting insurance over there
Great video, appreciate your honest y
You bet. Thanks for the comment.
Great vid, thank you for sharing. I lived in Fajardo 2001-2004 and I often think about returning to PR. Which part of the island do you live? I was stationed at Rosie Roads (sp) when the Naval Hospital shit down. There was plenty I did not like, but I am sure a large percentage of that had to do with accepting island time.
I'm in Humacao. Not too far from Fajardo. The more time I spend away from the island, when I come back, I have to remind myself "I'm on island time". It can be tough.
I was waiting for you to comment on the subject of taxes, but you covered so many things and the video was interesting. I know all about Act 60, but that’s not my question. My understanding is that your income is based on where it originates from. If your income is from the mainland then you just file federal taxes and don’t file with P.R. If all of your income is from P.R., then they think you’re rich and if you make more than $60K, you’re paying like 33% in taxes. If your income is derived from both sources, then you have to file with both. Is all this correct?
That is correct. Last year I filed in the USVI and the US, this year I'm filing in the US and Puerto Rico.
@@TheRetirementality ……….Thanks for the reply & I’ll continue to follow your posts. I was pretty sure that I only had to file U.S. federal taxes if my retirement income was coming strictly from U.S. mainland sources. That makes P.R. very attractive and comparable to FL. since there’s no state income tax there. Unfortunately, there are other negative things in FL. re insurance & HOA fees, etc. that make it increasingly less attractive v.s. P.R. The 11.5% sales tax in P.R. is something else you needed to mention here.
@@markcanfield7598 Yea, I think I'll do another video focused more on the costs to live in PR. If you saw the one I did comparing FL to Spain, I think I'll do something like that.
I grew up in Puerto Rico in guaynabo and I hate it all the traffic jams everyday, the roaches are huge, everyone drives like maniacs, I only miss the food. I lived there for 18 years. I live in Stuart florida and I love it. El calor en la isla es brutal!!
It seems like the traffic get worse every time I'm there. Stuart is nice too.
Greetings, how does a person go about renting your home when we come on vacation?
Im a disabled firefighter that live off ssi. Ive always wondered if i could still get my benefits if i wanted to move to that place. I hear a dollar goes allot further and easier to live off limited money.
I depends on where you want to live. Some areas are cheaper than others. You should go check it out.
You can live in many places around the world and still collect your social security. Panama probably is cheaper than PR depending on where you live there, and they offer a pensioner type visa which has lots of discounts on all sorts of things.
I’m moving to PR in February 2025
Cannot wait! ❤
That's awesome. Good luck. I hope you love it
Great video!! Puerto Rico has a lot of hidden gems… there is a beach that has clear water and it is not in Cabo Rojo. I won’t say where it is as only locals know… only clue it is in the south but not the east side.
I shall find it. I have another channel where I do beach tour videos. It's called How2Beach
Thanks for a great, in depth look at the things I would actually want to know before moving somewhere! Love your "little palace", btw, nicely done!
I'm a West Coast Canadian, and while I *LOVE* beaches, can't stand a lot of heat and don't get me started on bugs, lol. I also have had my fill of crowds (Vancouver, Lol) but don't want to be really remote -- your location seems great that way.
Those prices looked barely too different from what we pay for groceries here, maybe a little cheaper -- more cheap after exchange though.
Your closing thoughts were the real deal though -- while it sounds like it wouldn't be ideal for me, I'll still want to visit first-hand, cuz, you never know...
Cheers and Congrats!...from North Vancouver
PS -- Yellow Tail is probably worth the extra couple $$, imho
I'm glad you found value in the video. You definitely need to spend some time there renting to see if you can cope with it. Bugs are worse in some areas, roads are worse in other areas, it really depends on where you decide you like on the island to settle down. I did another video about how much it cost to run my house recently, that you may enjoy.
Looks like Humacao beach area and all those coconut trees and palm trees were laying down after Maria hit since I live in Ceiba
Yep it sure it.
My wife and I are moving there in 2 years. We love PR. We go 3-4 times a year.
That's awesome. What part of the island are you moving to? I'm thinking of selling my house if you're interested.
The gov is giving a 15yrs tax break to foreigners
If you're Puertorican and lived off the island and come back you can get it too.... I think.
Happy birthday
Thanks!
Puerto Rico is a beautiful place! However, visiting there a few months ago confirmed what I already knew...the cost of everything sucks the fun out of the experience. I just lost my job after 30 years and I think Phu Quoc is calling.
Yea, PR isn't cheap. Check out my video on Spain vs USA. You may like it if you want to stick to a spanish speaking place.
@@TheRetirementalityI just got back from a month in Vietnam. This part of the world is spectacular and doubles or triples my hard-earned life savings with $15 to $20 hotels and $1.5 sandwiches.
I'm eager to explore anywhere in the world that can give that level of financial freedom along with an exciting culture shock...including Spain. Thanks!
@@all4fitz Yea I want to visit SE Asia too. But, from other videos I've watched they say westerners don't last there long term. They say the culture is too different and people don't feel like they 'fit in' and that get frustrating so they leave after a couple of years. I think this is important to consider when looking at somewhere to live long term.
@@TheRetirementality Absolutely! This is really important for those who want to settle in one area. I'm drawn to the heavy culture shock but will move on to the next spot whenever it feels right.
@@TheRetirementalityI agree. I am looking at possibly moving to Puerto Rico as I will not have to deal with residency problems as I do here in Mexico. I’ve been here for 13 years and want to stay in a Spanish-speaking country.
My friend, these are all very serious topics and I wish you recorded this video at home without all the constant distractions of outside... It's hard to focus when you constantly interrupt yourself...
What place did or do you enjoy living at better st.Thomas or Puerto Rico ?
I haven't lived full time in PR. We loved living in STT but it was expensive. I have video on why we left STT. But, the short version is just that we decided it was great living there but not worth what it costs. We have thought about living in PR but decided not to. It feels less like an island than STT and we love visiting, but decided not to live there full time. I'm going to a new location to look for houses in a couple of weeks... so stay tuned.
My wife and I stayed in Palmas Del Mar for 10 days. We drove around the Island and she loved Rincon. We had to stay there one night since it was so far. I think we will do a six month just like you indicated. To see where we want to be. I loved Humacao just like you. But definitely not Palmas Del Mar. They do not respect the numbers and their is an inside job with those golf cars. They are stilling them from inside. I want to look where you at outside with the locals. Thanks for the video.
Sounds like you have a good plan in place. We went to Rincon on our fact finding trip but we went in Dec. and the place was empty. There was no one there. That's why we didn't pick it. Also far from the airport for short trips. I hope you find the perfect spot.
50,000 for a swimming pool, a total rip off! Food cost, total insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the video.
That size pool would probably cost me $100K in Florida. But, yea... it ain't cheap in PR.
Life can be a lot cheaper outside the metro area even on groceries, but great video you got a new subscriber.
Thank you. Yea guess we've never been to the grocery store in San Juan. It would be interesting to compare that.
They are other beautiful beaches in the southwest part of the island of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
gracias por la informacion
Thanks for watching.
I moved here from New York . I have lived here almost twenty years. The life style is different from the States. It is slower. Services here are slower if you need them. You have to have a generator to live here.
You do without a lot of food that you are used to in the States.
You wait longer longer for speciality health care.
I left after Hurricane Maria. A year later I moved to Vegas and bought a house there. I hated it, and sold my house and moved back to Puerto Rico Rico.
I prefer the open spaces and the country life styles with people riding down the road on their horses.
The lifestyle is cheaper than most parts of the states.
I am 74 and will die here.
P.S. I live in Cabo Rojo.
I understand. We love it here. I had to drive up the IKEA today to pick something up. I just got home and I can't believe how hectic it is up in that area. I love being down here in the country too.
My daughter has a house in the mountains in Puerto Rico is very nice with Oceanview
Humacao was one of the first devastated of the coastal towns hit by Hurricane Maria, electricity was out for more then five (5) months in live up in the Caguas area we were out of electricity for the very same time.
Yea, it was before we bought our house. But, I've seen videos of the area where my house is and it was really bad. My house had been empty since before the hurricanes.
What are the property taxes like in PR? Also income tax Federal/State.
I'm doing a video about the cost to own this house very soon.
Great video and very informative, your comments and observations are spot on like coming from a person who lived there for long time or a native. The beach where you walked us through used to be much wider but erosion and recent hurricanes has taken its toll. The whole Humacao coastline including the public beach (Balneario) is almost gone. I'm my recent visits, I noticed prices for pretty much everything skyrocketed but that's a worldwide issue and considering that when you live in an island everything always cost a little bit more due to shipping, handling, etc. Keep up the good work!
Thank you. I've been going there for about 4 years now so I've got it pretty dialed in. And living in ST Thomas gave me the perspective I needed about full time island living. Thanks for watching and commenting.
We live up the road in Añasco. I love living in Puerto Rico.
We've only been over there once. I need to make another trip over there.
How fast and reliable is the internet?
I would say the internet is pretty good. I uploaded a video yesterday and it took about the same amount of time as it does in Florida.
Congrats on your home!!! For bugs just sprinkle Cinnamon powder all over your outside window sills, all door entrances, near the patio ground edges. Good luck + Happy BDay🎉🎂🥂🍾🍧🍗🍞🌽🍅🥑🥥☕️👄🙏😍😁🙋♀️
Thank you, and thanks for the tips!
I lived at my aunt's house in Candelero Abajo at that time 👍🙏✝️
Vieques and Culebra are on the east coast and Mona is on the west coast of PR
There are two Mona islands. I just recently figured this out.
@@TheRetirementality I looked this up in Wiki-- Isla de Mona is the largest of three islands in the Mona Passage.. I heard when I was younger they use to do virus experiments on the Monkeys there. And also it was a safe passage for the Dominicans to enter Puerto Rico illegally.
I have been looking. You get a studio for $300k in Miramar or Condado (and many cost more). The metropolitan area is popular and supply and demand push prices up.
There are some beachfront condos far from San Juan which are $250k and up.
Palmas Del Mar is ritzy.
Yea, and I've heard you have to be very careful about the HOAs being under funded because people don't pay their dues.
@@TheRetirementality--I found a realtor who discouraged me getting into anything there with an HOA. I feel for those in Florida getting hit with the owners' requirement to beef up funds in their collective reserves.
Who manages your airbnb?
Can you tell me the restaurant name where you got the fish tacos? I live in Humacao and want to go. thx
Yes, it is called karakoles restaurant bar
True. We plan on visiting
I hope you have a great trip.
Ha 😂 I forgot all about those electric zappers ty.
They go with me everywhere in the house.
@TheRetirementality .. thanks for reminding to order one im over here trying to catch one that just bit me too LOL!
Do you Airbnb your house?
The people that live in the Mountains (campos) live almost for free..im 58 my Parents home in the mountains of Villalba PR only cost me $40 a month to maintain, i only pay Electric, the water is free cause it comes from the mountains ..there is no Tax on the home there is no monthly gas bill cause the houses in PR dont have heating system all u do is pay $125 every 3 months for a propain tank and that is if u cook every day ..i dont cook over there i go out to the local places where a plate of rice and beans with totstones and meat cost me $7 a plate
That is pretty sweet. There are some cool spots up there too.
hi I did pest control for 16 years in FL go to hardware buy the granules 10 pd bag for ants and ground bugs sprinkle all over yard and up against home it last for 3 months
That's what I've been doing for my house in FL. I'll look for some next time I'm in PR and add it to my regiment. Good tip. Thanks.