San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Santa Cruz-Watsonville is 5% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,760/mo vs $1,856/mo in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad — saving $1,152/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,238 | $1,172 | $66 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,466 | $1,475 | $9 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,856 | $1,760 | $96 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,340 | $2,195 | $145 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,656 | $2,530 | $126 |
| Median Income | $126,765 | $89,493 | $37,272 |
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad
- Studio
- $1,238/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,466/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,856/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,340/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,656/mo
- Median Income
- $126,765/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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,760/mo vs $1,856/mo in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad. That's $96/mo or $1,152/year more expensive in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad (5% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad is $1,856/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad is $126,765/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad is $1,238/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.