Albany vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Albany is 205% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $577/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $14,196/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Albany | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $407 | $1,172 | $765 |
| 1 Bedroom | $488 | $1,475 | $987 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $577 | $1,760 | $1,183 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $748 | $2,195 | $1,447 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $841 | $2,530 | $1,689 |
| Median Income | $39,279 | $89,493 | $50,214 |
Albany
- Studio
- $407/mo
- 1 BR
- $488/mo
- 2 BR
- $577/mo
- 3 BR
- $748/mo
- 4 BR
- $841/mo
- Median Income
- $39,279/yr
Santa Cruz-Watsonville
- Studio
- $1,172/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,475/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,760/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,195/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,530/mo
- Median Income
- $89,493/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Albany is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $577/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $1,183/mo or $14,196/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (205% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Albany vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Albany is $577/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Albany and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Albany is $39,279/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Albany vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Albany is $407/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.