Modesto vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Modesto is 61% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,092/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $8,016/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Modesto | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $727 | $1,172 | $445 |
| 1 Bedroom | $912 | $1,475 | $563 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 | $1,760 | $668 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,412 | $2,195 | $783 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,509 | $2,530 | $1,021 |
| Median Income | $56,394 | $89,493 | $33,099 |
Modesto
- Studio
- $727/mo
- 1 BR
- $912/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,092/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,412/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,509/mo
- Median Income
- $56,394/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 Modesto or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Modesto is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,092/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $668/mo or $8,016/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (61% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Modesto vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Modesto is $1,092/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Modesto and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Modesto is $56,394/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Modesto vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Modesto is $727/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.