Las Cruces vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Las Cruces is 118% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $806/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $11,448/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Las Cruces | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $537 | $1,172 | $635 |
| 1 Bedroom | $638 | $1,475 | $837 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $806 | $1,760 | $954 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $949 | $2,195 | $1,246 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,133 | $2,530 | $1,397 |
| Median Income | $43,858 | $89,493 | $45,635 |
Las Cruces
- Studio
- $537/mo
- 1 BR
- $638/mo
- 2 BR
- $806/mo
- 3 BR
- $949/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,133/mo
- Median Income
- $43,858/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 Las Cruces or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Las Cruces is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $806/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $954/mo or $11,448/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (118% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Las Cruces vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Las Cruces is $806/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Las Cruces and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Las Cruces is $43,858/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Las Cruces vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Las Cruces is $537/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.