Columbia vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 88% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $9,768/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $1,126 | $482 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $1,403 | $632 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,741 | $814 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $2,068 | $890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $2,592 | $1,251 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $106,107 | $53,035 |
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 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 Columbia or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $814/mo or $9,768/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (88% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/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 Columbia vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.