San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Santa Cruz-Watsonville is 37% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,760/mo vs $2,412/mo in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara — saving $7,824/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,628 | $1,172 | $456 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,961 | $1,475 | $486 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,412 | $1,760 | $652 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,087 | $2,195 | $892 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,450 | $2,530 | $920 |
| Median Income | $167,314 | $89,493 | $77,821 |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
- Studio
- $1,628/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,961/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,412/mo
- 3 BR
- $3,087/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,450/mo
- Median Income
- $167,314/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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,760/mo vs $2,412/mo in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. That's $652/mo or $7,824/year more expensive in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (37% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is $2,412/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is $167,314/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is $1,628/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.