Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs Tuscaloosa
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Tuscaloosa is 126% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $772/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $11,628/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Tuscaloosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,126 | $503 | $623 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,403 | $612 | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,741 | $772 | $969 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,068 | $937 | $1,131 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,592 | $1,049 | $1,543 |
| Median Income | $106,107 | $39,330 | $66,777 |
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
Tuscaloosa
- Studio
- $503/mo
- 1 BR
- $612/mo
- 2 BR
- $772/mo
- 3 BR
- $937/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,049/mo
- Median Income
- $39,330/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara or Tuscaloosa cheaper to rent in?
Tuscaloosa is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $772/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $969/mo or $11,628/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (126% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs Tuscaloosa?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $1,741/month. In Tuscaloosa, a 2-bedroom FMR is $772/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Maria-Santa Barbara and Tuscaloosa?
The median household income in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $106,107/year. In Tuscaloosa it is $39,330/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs Tuscaloosa?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $1,126/mo. In Tuscaloosa it is $503/mo.