What is the Fair Market Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA for 2026?

For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Santa Barbara County (Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA) is $2,459 for a studio, $2,746 for 1 bedroom, $3,124 for 2 bedrooms, $4,075 for 3 bedrooms, and $4,647 for 4 bedrooms.

How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Santa Barbara County?

Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Santa Barbara County that range is about $2,812–$3,436 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.

Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?

No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.

Santa Barbara County, CA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)

Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Santa Barbara County (Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.

$3,124 / mo · 2 BR FMR

Unit size	Fair Market Rent	Voucher range (90–110%)
Studio	$2,459	$2,213–$2,705
1 BR	$2,746	$2,471–$3,021
2 BR	$3,124	$2,812–$3,436
3 BR	$4,075	$3,668–$4,483
4 BR	$4,647	$4,182–$5,112

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Voucher range = 90–110% of FMR (your PHA sets the exact standard).

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What this means

If you rent (or are renting out) a home in Santa Barbara County with a Housing Choice Voucher, the housing authority caps assistance at its payment standard — usually 90–110% of the Fair Market Rent above. A 2-bedroom payment standard here is roughly $2,812–$3,436/month. The tenant generally pays about 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and the voucher covers the rest up to the standard. The unit must also pass a housing-quality inspection and a rent-reasonableness check.

Heads up: The figure above is the HUD Fair Market Rent. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets the actual payment standard — usually between 90% and 110% of it — so confirm your exact amount with the PHA that issued the voucher.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fair Market Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA for 2026?: For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Santa Barbara County (Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA) is $2,459 for a studio, $2,746 for 1 bedroom, $3,124 for 2 bedrooms, $4,075 for 3 bedrooms, and $4,647 for 4 bedrooms.
How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Santa Barbara County?: Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Santa Barbara County that range is about $2,812–$3,436 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?: No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.

This page shows official HUD Fair Market Rent data for general educational use — it is not legal, financial, or housing advice, and is not a guarantee of any voucher amount. Your local Public Housing Authority sets the actual payment standard and approves rents. Always confirm with your PHA and the official HUD FMR data.

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