Salinas vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Salinas is 9% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,591/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $1,800/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Salinas | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,095 | $1,126 | $31 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,311 | $1,403 | $92 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,591 | $1,741 | $150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,085 | $2,068 | $17 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,361 | $2,592 | $231 |
| Median Income | $84,603 | $106,107 | $21,504 |
Salinas
- Studio
- $1,095/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,311/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,591/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,085/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,361/mo
- Median Income
- $84,603/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 Salinas or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Salinas is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,591/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $150/mo or $1,800/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (9% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Salinas vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Salinas is $1,591/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Salinas and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Salinas is $84,603/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 Salinas vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Salinas is $1,095/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.