Salem vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Salem is 55% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,137/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $7,476/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Salem | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $741 | $1,172 | $431 |
| 1 Bedroom | $913 | $1,475 | $562 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,137 | $1,760 | $623 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,411 | $2,195 | $784 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,615 | $2,530 | $915 |
| Median Income | $53,953 | $89,493 | $35,540 |
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/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 Salem or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Salem is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,137/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $623/mo or $7,476/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (55% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Salem vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Salem is $1,137/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Salem and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Salem is $53,953/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Salem vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Salem is $741/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.