Chico vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Chico is 66% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,059/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,412/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chico | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $698 | $1,172 | $474 |
| 1 Bedroom | $859 | $1,475 | $616 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,059 | $1,760 | $701 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,354 | $2,195 | $841 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,491 | $2,530 | $1,039 |
| Median Income | $66,884 | $89,493 | $22,609 |
Chico
- Studio
- $698/mo
- 1 BR
- $859/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,059/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,354/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,491/mo
- Median Income
- $66,884/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 Chico or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Chico is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,059/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $701/mo or $8,412/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (66% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chico vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chico is $1,059/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Chico and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Chico is $66,884/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chico vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chico is $698/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.