Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Santa Cruz County vs California
How do Santa Cruz County and California rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $3,298
- Santa Cruz County (1BR)
- $1,647
- California (1BR)
- +100%
- 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 100% more expensive than California at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($3,298 vs $1,647). 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 | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,179 | $1,513 | +$1666 (+110%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,298 | $1,647 | +$1651 (+100%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $4,214 | $2,053 | +$2161 (+105%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $5,377 | $2,752 | +$2625 (+95%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $5,659 | $3,165 | +$2494 (+79%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Santa Cruz County is 244% above the US average. California is 72% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).