Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Santa Cruz County vs Arizona
How do Santa Cruz County and Arizona rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $860
- Santa Cruz County (1BR)
- $1,151
- Arizona (1BR)
- −25%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Santa Cruz County is 25% cheaper than Arizona at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($860 vs $1,151). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Santa Cruz County | Arizona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $778 | $1,053 | −$275 (-26%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 | $1,151 | −$291 (-25%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,129 | $1,419 | −$290 (-20%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,570 | $1,889 | −$319 (-17%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,615 | $2,158 | −$543 (-25%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Santa Cruz County is 10% below the US average. Arizona is 20% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).