Boulder vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boulder is 25% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,393/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $4,176/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,126 | $214 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $1,403 | $238 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,741 | $348 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $2,068 | $271 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $2,592 | $513 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $106,107 | $27,851 |
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 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 Boulder or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Boulder is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,393/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $348/mo or $4,176/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (25% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/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 Boulder vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.