Madera vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Madera is 83% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $960/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $9,600/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Madera | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $646 | $1,172 | $526 |
| 1 Bedroom | $763 | $1,475 | $712 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 | $1,760 | $800 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,195 | $2,195 | $1,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,347 | $2,530 | $1,183 |
| Median Income | $57,586 | $89,493 | $31,907 |
Madera
- Studio
- $646/mo
- 1 BR
- $763/mo
- 2 BR
- $960/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,195/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,347/mo
- Median Income
- $57,586/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 Madera or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Madera is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $960/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $800/mo or $9,600/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (83% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Madera vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Madera is $960/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Madera and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Madera is $57,586/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Madera vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Madera is $646/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.