Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is 1% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,741/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton — saving $156/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boston-Cambridge-Newton | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,196 | $1,126 | $70 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,409 | $1,403 | $6 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,754 | $1,741 | $13 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,044 | $2,068 | $24 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,555 | $2,592 | $37 |
| Median Income | $100,795 | $106,107 | $5,312 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton
- Studio
- $1,196/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,409/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,754/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,044/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,555/mo
- Median Income
- $100,795/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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,741/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton. That's $13/mo or $156/year more expensive in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (1% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,754/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $100,795/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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,196/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.