FairRentWize

Durham-Chapel Hill vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara

Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data

Quick Answer

Durham-Chapel Hill is 59% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,098/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $7,716/year.

Rent by Unit Size

Unit SizeDurham-Chapel HillSanta Maria-Santa BarbaraDifference
Studio$730$1,126$396
1 Bedroom$882$1,403$521
2 Bedrooms$1,098$1,741$643
3 Bedrooms$1,391$2,068$677
4 Bedrooms$1,605$2,592$987
Median Income$69,791$106,107$36,316

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 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
Full Santa Maria-Santa Barbara profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Durham-Chapel Hill or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Durham-Chapel Hill is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,098/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $643/mo or $7,716/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (59% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Durham-Chapel Hill vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Durham-Chapel Hill is $1,098/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Durham-Chapel Hill and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Durham-Chapel Hill is $69,791/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 Durham-Chapel Hill vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Durham-Chapel Hill is $730/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.