Santa Cruz County, CA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA MSA), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent | Voucher range (90–110%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,179 | $2,861–$3,497 |
| 1 BR | $3,298 | $2,968–$3,628 |
| 2 BR | $4,214 | $3,793–$4,635 |
| 3 BR | $5,377 | $4,839–$5,915 |
| 4 BR | $5,659 | $5,093–$6,225 |
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 Cruz 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 $3,793–$4,635/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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA for 2026?
- For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA MSA) is $3,179 for a studio, $3,298 for 1 bedroom, $4,214 for 2 bedrooms, $5,377 for 3 bedrooms, and $5,659 for 4 bedrooms.
- How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Santa Cruz County?
- Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz County that range is about $3,793–$4,635 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.