Fresno vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Fresno is 61% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,083/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $7,896/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Fresno | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $732 | $1,126 | $394 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 | $1,403 | $513 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,083 | $1,741 | $658 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,294 | $2,068 | $774 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,619 | $2,592 | $973 |
| Median Income | $61,735 | $106,107 | $44,372 |
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 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Fresno is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,083/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $658/mo or $7,896/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (61% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Fresno vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Fresno is $1,083/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Fresno and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Fresno is $61,735/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 Fresno vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Fresno is $732/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.