Raleigh-Cary vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Raleigh-Cary is 59% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,097/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $7,728/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Raleigh-Cary | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $760 | $1,126 | $366 |
| 1 Bedroom | $928 | $1,403 | $475 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 | $1,741 | $644 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,435 | $2,068 | $633 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,556 | $2,592 | $1,036 |
| Median Income | $70,678 | $106,107 | $35,429 |
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 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 Raleigh-Cary or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Raleigh-Cary is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,097/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $644/mo or $7,728/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (59% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Raleigh-Cary vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Raleigh-Cary is $1,097/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Raleigh-Cary and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Raleigh-Cary is $70,678/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 Raleigh-Cary vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Raleigh-Cary is $760/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.