FairRentWize

Durham-Chapel Hill vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville

Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data

Quick Answer

Durham-Chapel Hill is 60% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,098/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $7,944/year.

Rent by Unit Size

Unit SizeDurham-Chapel HillSanta Cruz-WatsonvilleDifference
Studio$730$1,172$442
1 Bedroom$882$1,475$593
2 Bedrooms$1,098$1,760$662
3 Bedrooms$1,391$2,195$804
4 Bedrooms$1,605$2,530$925
Median Income$69,791$89,493$19,702

Durham-Chapel Hill

Studio
$730/mo
1 BR
$882/mo
2 BR
$1,098/mo
3 BR
$1,391/mo
4 BR
$1,605/mo
Median Income
$69,791/yr
Full Durham-Chapel Hill profile →

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
Full Santa Cruz-Watsonville profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Durham-Chapel Hill or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Durham-Chapel Hill is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,098/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $662/mo or $7,944/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (60% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Durham-Chapel Hill vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Durham-Chapel Hill is $1,098/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Durham-Chapel Hill and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Durham-Chapel Hill is $69,791/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Durham-Chapel Hill vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Durham-Chapel Hill is $730/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.