Fresno vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Fresno is 63% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,083/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,124/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Fresno | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $732 | $1,172 | $440 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 | $1,475 | $585 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,083 | $1,760 | $677 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,294 | $2,195 | $901 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,619 | $2,530 | $911 |
| Median Income | $61,735 | $89,493 | $27,758 |
Fresno
- Studio
- $732/mo
- 1 BR
- $890/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,083/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,294/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,619/mo
- Median Income
- $61,735/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 Fresno or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Fresno is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,083/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $677/mo or $8,124/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (63% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Fresno vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Fresno is $1,083/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Fresno and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Fresno is $61,735/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Fresno vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Fresno is $732/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.