Modesto vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Modesto is 59% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,092/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $7,788/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Modesto | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $727 | $1,126 | $399 |
| 1 Bedroom | $912 | $1,403 | $491 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 | $1,741 | $649 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,412 | $2,068 | $656 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,509 | $2,592 | $1,083 |
| Median Income | $56,394 | $106,107 | $49,713 |
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 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 Modesto or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Modesto is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,092/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $649/mo or $7,788/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (59% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Modesto vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Modesto is $1,092/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Modesto and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Modesto is $56,394/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 Modesto vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Modesto is $727/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.