Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Santa Cruz County vs Maricopa County

How do Santa Cruz County and Maricopa County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$860
Santa Cruz County (1BR)
$1,583
Maricopa County (1BR)
−46%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
Santa Cruz County
$860/mo 1BR
Population: 47,838
County
Maricopa County
$1,583/mo 1BR
Population: 4,430,871

A 1-bedroom in Santa Cruz County is 46% cheaper than Maricopa County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($860 vs $1,583). 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 Maricopa County Difference
Studio $778 $1,457 −$679 (-47%)
1 Bedroom $860 $1,583 −$723 (-46%)
2 Bedroom $1,129 $1,839 −$710 (-39%)
3 Bedroom $1,570 $2,452 −$882 (-36%)
4 Bedroom $1,615 $2,720 −$1105 (-41%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Santa Cruz County is 10% below the US average. Maricopa County is 65% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).