Athens-Clarke County vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Athens-Clarke County is 95% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $891/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $10,200/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Athens-Clarke County | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $596 | $1,126 | $530 |
| 1 Bedroom | $714 | $1,403 | $689 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $891 | $1,741 | $850 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,137 | $2,068 | $931 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,198 | $2,592 | $1,394 |
| Median Income | $52,645 | $106,107 | $53,462 |
Athens-Clarke County
- Studio
- $596/mo
- 1 BR
- $714/mo
- 2 BR
- $891/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,198/mo
- Median Income
- $52,645/yr
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
- Studio
- $1,126/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,403/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,741/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,068/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,592/mo
- Median Income
- $106,107/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens-Clarke County or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Athens-Clarke County is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $891/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $850/mo or $10,200/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (95% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Athens-Clarke County is $891/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Athens-Clarke County and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County is $52,645/year. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $106,107/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Athens-Clarke County is $596/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.