Helena vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Helena is 103% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $857/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $10,608/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Helena | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $577 | $1,126 | $549 |
| 1 Bedroom | $711 | $1,403 | $692 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $857 | $1,741 | $884 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,057 | $2,068 | $1,011 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,186 | $2,592 | $1,406 |
| Median Income | $47,790 | $106,107 | $58,317 |
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 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 Helena or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Helena is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $857/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $884/mo or $10,608/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (103% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Helena vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Helena is $857/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Helena and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Helena is $47,790/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 Helena vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Helena is $577/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.