Salem vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Salem is 53% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,137/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $7,248/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Salem | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $741 | $1,126 | $385 |
| 1 Bedroom | $913 | $1,403 | $490 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,137 | $1,741 | $604 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,411 | $2,068 | $657 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,615 | $2,592 | $977 |
| Median Income | $53,953 | $106,107 | $52,154 |
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 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 Salem or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Salem is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,137/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $604/mo or $7,248/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (53% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Salem vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Salem is $1,137/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Salem and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Salem is $53,953/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 Salem vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Salem is $741/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.