Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs Waco
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Waco is 126% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $770/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $11,652/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,126 | $530 | $596 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,403 | $629 | $774 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,741 | $770 | $971 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,068 | $988 | $1,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,592 | $1,119 | $1,473 |
| Median Income | $106,107 | $40,886 | $65,221 |
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
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 Maria-Santa Barbara or Waco cheaper to rent in?
Waco is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $770/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $971/mo or $11,652/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (126% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs Waco?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $1,741/month. In Waco, a 2-bedroom FMR is $770/month.
How do incomes compare between Santa Maria-Santa Barbara and Waco?
The median household income in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $106,107/year. In Waco it is $40,886/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs Waco?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $1,126/mo. In Waco it is $530/mo.