Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is 44% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,222/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $6,456/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $849 | $1,172 | $323 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 | $1,475 | $452 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 | $1,760 | $538 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $2,195 | $667 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,886 | $2,530 | $644 |
| Median Income | $79,852 | $89,493 | $9,641 |
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
- Studio
- $849/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,023/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,222/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,528/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,886/mo
- Median Income
- $79,852/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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,222/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $538/mo or $6,456/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (44% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $1,222/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $79,852/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $849/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.