San Luis Obispo vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
San Luis Obispo is 7% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,623/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $1,416/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | San Luis Obispo | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,065 | $1,126 | $61 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 | $1,403 | $43 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,623 | $1,741 | $118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,039 | $2,068 | $29 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,372 | $2,592 | $220 |
| Median Income | $94,761 | $106,107 | $11,346 |
San Luis Obispo
- Studio
- $1,065/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,360/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,623/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,039/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,372/mo
- Median Income
- $94,761/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 San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
San Luis Obispo is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,623/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $118/mo or $1,416/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (7% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in San Luis Obispo vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in San Luis Obispo is $1,623/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo is $94,761/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 San Luis Obispo vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in San Luis Obispo is $1,065/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.