Lafayette vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lafayette is 135% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $741/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $12,000/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lafayette | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $502 | $1,126 | $624 |
| 1 Bedroom | $626 | $1,403 | $777 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $741 | $1,741 | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $958 | $2,068 | $1,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,134 | $2,592 | $1,458 |
| Median Income | $38,989 | $106,107 | $67,118 |
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 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 Lafayette or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Lafayette is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $741/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $1,000/mo or $12,000/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (135% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lafayette vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lafayette is $741/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Lafayette and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Lafayette is $38,989/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 Lafayette vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lafayette is $502/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.