Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is 1% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,741/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $228/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,172 | $1,126 | $46 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,475 | $1,403 | $72 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 | $1,741 | $19 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,195 | $2,068 | $127 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,530 | $2,592 | $62 |
| Median Income | $89,493 | $106,107 | $16,614 |
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
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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,741/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $19/mo or $228/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (1% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,760/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Cruz-Watsonville and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $89,493/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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,172/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.