Bakersfield vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Bakersfield is 73% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,018/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,904/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bakersfield | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683 | $1,172 | $489 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 | $1,475 | $621 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,018 | $1,760 | $742 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 | $2,195 | $869 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $2,530 | $1,002 |
| Median Income | $67,968 | $89,493 | $21,525 |
Bakersfield
- Studio
- $683/mo
- 1 BR
- $854/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,018/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,326/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,528/mo
- Median Income
- $67,968/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 Bakersfield or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Bakersfield is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,018/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $742/mo or $8,904/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (73% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bakersfield vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,018/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Bakersfield and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $67,968/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bakersfield vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bakersfield is $683/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.