Gainesville vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Gainesville is 72% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,011/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $8,760/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Gainesville | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $680 | $1,126 | $446 |
| 1 Bedroom | $802 | $1,403 | $601 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,011 | $1,741 | $730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,236 | $2,068 | $832 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,426 | $2,592 | $1,166 |
| Median Income | $47,354 | $106,107 | $58,753 |
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 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 Gainesville or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Gainesville is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,011/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $730/mo or $8,760/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (72% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Gainesville vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Gainesville is $1,011/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Gainesville and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Gainesville is $47,354/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 Gainesville vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Gainesville is $680/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.