Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Des Moines-West Des Moines is 109% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $842/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $11,016/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $582 | $1,172 | $590 |
| 1 Bedroom | $705 | $1,475 | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $842 | $1,760 | $918 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,040 | $2,195 | $1,155 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,173 | $2,530 | $1,357 |
| Median Income | $43,390 | $89,493 | $46,103 |
Des Moines-West Des Moines
- Studio
- $582/mo
- 1 BR
- $705/mo
- 2 BR
- $842/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,040/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,173/mo
- Median Income
- $43,390/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 Des Moines-West Des Moines or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Des Moines-West Des Moines is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $842/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $918/mo or $11,016/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (109% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $842/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Des Moines-West Des Moines and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $43,390/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $582/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.