El Centro vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
El Centro is 111% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $834/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $11,112/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | El Centro | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $556 | $1,172 | $616 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 | $1,475 | $769 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $834 | $1,760 | $926 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,056 | $2,195 | $1,139 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,186 | $2,530 | $1,344 |
| Median Income | $50,743 | $89,493 | $38,750 |
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/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 El Centro or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
El Centro is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $834/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $926/mo or $11,112/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (111% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in El Centro vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in El Centro is $834/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between El Centro and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in El Centro is $50,743/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in El Centro vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in El Centro is $556/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.