Boulder vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boulder is 26% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,393/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $4,404/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,172 | $260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $1,475 | $310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,760 | $367 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $2,195 | $398 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $2,530 | $451 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $89,493 | $11,237 |
Boulder
- Studio
- $912/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,165/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,393/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,797/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,079/mo
- Median Income
- $78,256/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 Boulder or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Boulder is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,393/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $367/mo or $4,404/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (26% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.