Panama City vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Panama City is 98% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $879/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $10,344/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Panama City | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $571 | $1,126 | $555 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 | $1,403 | $697 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $879 | $1,741 | $862 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $2,068 | $1,036 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,302 | $2,592 | $1,290 |
| Median Income | $44,385 | $106,107 | $61,722 |
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 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 Panama City or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Panama City is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $879/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $862/mo or $10,344/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (98% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Panama City vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Panama City is $879/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Panama City and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Panama City is $44,385/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 Panama City vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Panama City is $571/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.