Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Waco
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Waco is 129% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $770/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $11,880/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,172 | $530 | $642 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,475 | $629 | $846 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 | $770 | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,195 | $988 | $1,207 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,530 | $1,119 | $1,411 |
| Median Income | $89,493 | $40,886 | $48,607 |
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
Waco
- Studio
- $530/mo
- 1 BR
- $629/mo
- 2 BR
- $770/mo
- 3 BR
- $988/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,119/mo
- Median Income
- $40,886/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville or Waco cheaper to rent in?
Waco is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $770/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $990/mo or $11,880/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (129% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Waco?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,760/month. In Waco, a 2-bedroom FMR is $770/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Cruz-Watsonville and Waco?
The median household income in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $89,493/year. In Waco it is $40,886/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs Waco?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $1,172/mo. In Waco it is $530/mo.