Gainesville vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Gainesville is 74% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,011/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,988/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Gainesville | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $680 | $1,172 | $492 |
| 1 Bedroom | $802 | $1,475 | $673 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,011 | $1,760 | $749 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,236 | $2,195 | $959 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,426 | $2,530 | $1,104 |
| Median Income | $47,354 | $89,493 | $42,139 |
Gainesville
- Studio
- $680/mo
- 1 BR
- $802/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,011/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,236/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,426/mo
- Median Income
- $47,354/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 Gainesville or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Gainesville is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,011/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $749/mo or $8,988/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (74% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Gainesville vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Gainesville is $1,011/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Gainesville and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Gainesville is $47,354/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Gainesville vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Gainesville is $680/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.