Lafayette vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lafayette is 138% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $741/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $12,228/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lafayette | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $502 | $1,172 | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $626 | $1,475 | $849 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $741 | $1,760 | $1,019 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $958 | $2,195 | $1,237 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,134 | $2,530 | $1,396 |
| Median Income | $38,989 | $89,493 | $50,504 |
Lafayette
- Studio
- $502/mo
- 1 BR
- $626/mo
- 2 BR
- $741/mo
- 3 BR
- $958/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,134/mo
- Median Income
- $38,989/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 Lafayette or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Lafayette is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $741/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $1,019/mo or $12,228/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (138% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lafayette vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lafayette is $741/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Lafayette and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Lafayette is $38,989/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lafayette vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lafayette is $502/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.