Las Cruces vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Las Cruces is 116% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $806/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $11,220/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Las Cruces | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $537 | $1,126 | $589 |
| 1 Bedroom | $638 | $1,403 | $765 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $806 | $1,741 | $935 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $949 | $2,068 | $1,119 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,133 | $2,592 | $1,459 |
| Median Income | $43,858 | $106,107 | $62,249 |
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 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 Las Cruces or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Las Cruces is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $806/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $935/mo or $11,220/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (116% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Las Cruces vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Las Cruces is $806/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Las Cruces and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Las Cruces is $43,858/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 Las Cruces vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Las Cruces is $537/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.