Columbus vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 140% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $12,324/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $493 | $1,172 | $679 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 | $1,475 | $875 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $733 | $1,760 | $1,027 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $932 | $2,195 | $1,263 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $2,530 | $1,498 |
| Median Income | $37,268 | $89,493 | $52,225 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/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 Columbus or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $1,027/mo or $12,324/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (140% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $733/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Columbus is $37,268/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $493/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.