Merced vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 67% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,460/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $1,172 | $476 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,475 | $610 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,760 | $705 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $2,195 | $867 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $2,530 | $1,070 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $89,493 | $28,535 |
Merced
- Studio
- $696/mo
- 1 BR
- $865/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,055/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,328/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,460/mo
- Median Income
- $60,958/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 Merced or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $705/mo or $8,460/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (67% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.