Baltimore-Columbia-Towson vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is 43% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,227/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $6,396/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $829 | $1,172 | $343 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,006 | $1,475 | $469 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,227 | $1,760 | $533 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,606 | $2,195 | $589 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,767 | $2,530 | $763 |
| Median Income | $88,278 | $89,493 | $1,215 |
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
- Studio
- $829/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,006/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,227/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,606/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,767/mo
- Median Income
- $88,278/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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,227/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $533/mo or $6,396/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (43% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $1,227/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Baltimore-Columbia-Towson and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $88,278/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $829/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.