Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 12% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,576/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $2,208/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,172 | $1,044 | $128 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,475 | $1,322 | $153 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 | $1,576 | $184 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,195 | $1,978 | $217 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,530 | $2,418 | $112 |
| Median Income | $89,493 | $109,700 | $20,207 |
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
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
- Studio
- $1,044/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,322/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,576/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,978/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,418/mo
- Median Income
- $109,700/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville or Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue cheaper to rent in?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,576/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $184/mo or $2,208/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (12% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,760/month. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,576/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Cruz-Watsonville and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The median household income in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $89,493/year. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $109,700/year. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,172/mo. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $1,044/mo.