Panama City vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Panama City is 100% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $879/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $10,572/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Panama City | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $571 | $1,172 | $601 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 | $1,475 | $769 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $879 | $1,760 | $881 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $2,195 | $1,163 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,302 | $2,530 | $1,228 |
| Median Income | $44,385 | $89,493 | $45,108 |
Panama City
- Studio
- $571/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $879/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,032/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,302/mo
- Median Income
- $44,385/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 Panama City or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Panama City is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $879/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $881/mo or $10,572/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (100% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Panama City vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Panama City is $879/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Panama City and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Panama City is $44,385/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Panama City vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Panama City is $571/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.