Rochester vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Rochester is 95% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $903/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $10,284/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Rochester | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $594 | $1,172 | $578 |
| 1 Bedroom | $739 | $1,475 | $736 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $903 | $1,760 | $857 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,112 | $2,195 | $1,083 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,294 | $2,530 | $1,236 |
| Median Income | $52,618 | $89,493 | $36,875 |
Rochester
- Studio
- $594/mo
- 1 BR
- $739/mo
- 2 BR
- $903/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,112/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,294/mo
- Median Income
- $52,618/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 Rochester or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Rochester is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $903/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $857/mo or $10,284/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (95% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Rochester vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Rochester is $903/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Rochester and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Rochester is $52,618/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Rochester vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Rochester is $594/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.