Medford vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Medford is 65% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,065/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,340/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Medford | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $704 | $1,172 | $468 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,475 | $610 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,065 | $1,760 | $695 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,318 | $2,195 | $877 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 | $2,530 | $1,050 |
| Median Income | $51,417 | $89,493 | $38,076 |
Medford
- Studio
- $704/mo
- 1 BR
- $865/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,065/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,318/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,480/mo
- Median Income
- $51,417/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 Medford or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Medford is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,065/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $695/mo or $8,340/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (65% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Medford vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Medford is $1,065/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Medford and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Medford is $51,417/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Medford vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Medford is $704/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.