Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Santa Rosa-Petaluma is 12% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,568/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $2,304/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Santa Rosa-Petaluma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,172 | $1,091 | $81 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,475 | $1,312 | $163 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 | $1,568 | $192 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,195 | $1,984 | $211 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,530 | $2,190 | $340 |
| Median Income | $89,493 | $92,702 | $3,209 |
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 Rosa-Petaluma
- Studio
- $1,091/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,312/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,568/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,984/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,190/mo
- Median Income
- $92,702/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville or Santa Rosa-Petaluma cheaper to rent in?
Santa Rosa-Petaluma is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,568/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $192/mo or $2,304/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (12% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,760/month. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,568/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Cruz-Watsonville and Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
The median household income in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $89,493/year. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma it is $92,702/year. Santa Rosa-Petaluma has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,172/mo. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma it is $1,091/mo.