Fort Collins vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Fort Collins is 43% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,227/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $6,396/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Fort Collins | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $839 | $1,172 | $333 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 | $1,475 | $485 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,227 | $1,760 | $533 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,487 | $2,195 | $708 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,747 | $2,530 | $783 |
| Median Income | $63,053 | $89,493 | $26,440 |
Fort Collins
- Studio
- $839/mo
- 1 BR
- $990/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,227/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,487/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,747/mo
- Median Income
- $63,053/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 Fort Collins or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Fort Collins is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,227/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $533/mo or $6,396/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (43% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Fort Collins vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Fort Collins is $1,227/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Fort Collins and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Fort Collins is $63,053/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Fort Collins vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Fort Collins is $839/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.