San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Santa Cruz-Watsonville is 25% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,760/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley — saving $5,280/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,456 | $1,172 | $284 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,848 | $1,475 | $373 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,200 | $1,760 | $440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,832 | $2,195 | $637 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,149 | $2,530 | $619 |
| Median Income | $147,497 | $89,493 | $58,004 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
- Studio
- $1,456/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,848/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,200/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,832/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,149/mo
- Median Income
- $147,497/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 Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,760/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley. That's $440/mo or $5,280/year more expensive in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (25% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley is $2,200/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley is $147,497/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley is $1,456/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.