Rapid City vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Rapid City is 111% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $835/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $11,100/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Rapid City | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $574 | $1,172 | $598 |
| 1 Bedroom | $702 | $1,475 | $773 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $835 | $1,760 | $925 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,106 | $2,195 | $1,089 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,277 | $2,530 | $1,253 |
| Median Income | $44,904 | $89,493 | $44,589 |
Rapid City
- Studio
- $574/mo
- 1 BR
- $702/mo
- 2 BR
- $835/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,106/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,277/mo
- Median Income
- $44,904/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 Rapid City or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Rapid City is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $835/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $925/mo or $11,100/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (111% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Rapid City vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Rapid City is $835/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Rapid City and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Rapid City is $44,904/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Rapid City vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Rapid City is $574/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.