Raleigh-Cary vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Raleigh-Cary is 60% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,097/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $7,956/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Raleigh-Cary | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $760 | $1,172 | $412 |
| 1 Bedroom | $928 | $1,475 | $547 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 | $1,760 | $663 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,435 | $2,195 | $760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,556 | $2,530 | $974 |
| Median Income | $70,678 | $89,493 | $18,815 |
Raleigh-Cary
- Studio
- $760/mo
- 1 BR
- $928/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,097/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,435/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,556/mo
- Median Income
- $70,678/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 Raleigh-Cary or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Raleigh-Cary is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,097/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $663/mo or $7,956/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (60% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Raleigh-Cary vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Raleigh-Cary is $1,097/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Raleigh-Cary and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Raleigh-Cary is $70,678/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Raleigh-Cary vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Raleigh-Cary is $760/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.