Helena vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Helena is 105% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $857/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $10,836/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Helena | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $577 | $1,172 | $595 |
| 1 Bedroom | $711 | $1,475 | $764 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $857 | $1,760 | $903 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,057 | $2,195 | $1,138 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,186 | $2,530 | $1,344 |
| Median Income | $47,790 | $89,493 | $41,703 |
Helena
- Studio
- $577/mo
- 1 BR
- $711/mo
- 2 BR
- $857/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,057/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $47,790/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 Helena or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Helena is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $857/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $903/mo or $10,836/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (105% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Helena vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Helena is $857/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Helena and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Helena is $47,790/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Helena vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Helena is $577/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.