Charleston-North Charleston vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Charleston-North Charleston is 50% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,159/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $6,984/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Charleston-North Charleston | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $766 | $1,126 | $360 |
| 1 Bedroom | $923 | $1,403 | $480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,159 | $1,741 | $582 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,459 | $2,068 | $609 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,529 | $2,592 | $1,063 |
| Median Income | $57,454 | $106,107 | $48,653 |
Charleston-North Charleston
- Studio
- $766/mo
- 1 BR
- $923/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,159/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,459/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,529/mo
- Median Income
- $57,454/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 Charleston-North Charleston or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Charleston-North Charleston is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,159/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $582/mo or $6,984/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (50% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Charleston-North Charleston vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Charleston-North Charleston is $1,159/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Charleston-North Charleston and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Charleston-North Charleston is $57,454/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 Charleston-North Charleston vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Charleston-North Charleston is $766/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.