Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Topeka
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Topeka is 150% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $703/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $12,684/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,172 | $458 | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,475 | $575 | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 | $703 | $1,057 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,195 | $871 | $1,324 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,530 | $1,008 | $1,522 |
| Median Income | $89,493 | $37,700 | $51,793 |
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
Topeka
- Studio
- $458/mo
- 1 BR
- $575/mo
- 2 BR
- $703/mo
- 3 BR
- $871/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,008/mo
- Median Income
- $37,700/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville or Topeka cheaper to rent in?
Topeka is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $703/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $1,057/mo or $12,684/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (150% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Topeka?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,760/month. In Topeka, a 2-bedroom FMR is $703/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Cruz-Watsonville and Topeka?
The median household income in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $89,493/year. In Topeka it is $37,700/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Topeka?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,172/mo. In Topeka it is $458/mo.