Santa Cruz County
FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rents in California. Population: 268,571.
Fair Market Rents (2026)
Studio
National avg: $893
$3,179/mo
↑ 4.0% YoY
+256% vs US
1 Bedroom
National avg: $959
$3,298/mo
↑ 2.4% YoY
+244% vs US
2 Bedroom
National avg: $1,175
$4,214/mo
↓ 0.2% YoY
+259% vs US
3 Bedroom
National avg: $1,525
$5,377/mo
↑ 2.3% YoY
+253% vs US
4 Bedroom
National avg: $1,756
$5,659/mo
↑ 1.0% YoY
+222% vs US
Year-over-Year Comparison
| Bedrooms | FY 2025 | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,056 | $3,179 | +$123 (+4.0%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,221 | $3,298 | +$77 (+2.4%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $4,223 | $4,214 | $-9 (-0.2%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $5,256 | $5,377 | +$121 (+2.3%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $5,605 | $5,659 | +$54 (+1.0%) |
Affordability Snapshot
Based on the standard that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income:
Required annual income for 1 BR
$131,920
$10,993/month gross
Required annual income for 2 BR
$168,560
$14,047/month gross
Other Counties in California
Los Angeles County
1 BR: $2,085/mo
Del Norte County
1 BR: $1,222/mo
Imperial County
1 BR: $1,038/mo
Yuba County
1 BR: $1,272/mo
Placer County
1 BR: $1,832/mo
Inyo County
1 BR: $1,381/mo
Data source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2026 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality units in each area.