Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA
FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA metro area. Population: 445,213.
Fair Market Rents (2026)
Studio
National avg: $893
$2,459/mo
↑ 17.3% YoY
+175% vs US
1 Bedroom
National avg: $959
$2,746/mo
↑ 15.1% YoY
+186% vs US
2 Bedroom
National avg: $1,175
$3,124/mo
↑ 15.9% YoY
+166% vs US
3 Bedroom
National avg: $1,525
$4,075/mo
↑ 13.3% YoY
+167% vs US
4 Bedroom
National avg: $1,756
$4,647/mo
↑ 14.0% YoY
+165% vs US
Year-over-Year Comparison
| Bedrooms | FY 2025 | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,097 | $2,459 | +$362 (+17.3%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,386 | $2,746 | +$360 (+15.1%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,695 | $3,124 | +$429 (+15.9%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,597 | $4,075 | +$478 (+13.3%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $4,076 | $4,647 | +$571 (+14.0%) |
Affordability Snapshot
Based on the standard that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income:
Required annual income for 1 BR
$109,840
$9,153/month gross
Required annual income for 2 BR
$124,960
$10,413/month gross
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.