Columbia vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 90% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $9,996/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $1,172 | $528 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $1,475 | $704 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,760 | $833 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $2,195 | $1,017 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $2,530 | $1,189 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $89,493 | $36,421 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/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 Columbia or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $833/mo or $9,996/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (90% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.