Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metropolitan Wage Intelligence
Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a cost-of-living index of 230.4 (130.4% above the national average), HUD fair market rent of $3,390 for a 1-bedroom unit, and a single-adult living wage of $50.95/hour. This dossier benchmarks 50 occupations against Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA wage percentiles, led by Chief Executives at $209,080 median.
HUD Fair Market Rents & Family Expenditure Benchmarks
Official Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with living wage targets.
In the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metropolitan statistical area, a single working adult needs an estimated $50.95/hour ($105,976/year) to cover basic expenditures, while two working adults supporting one child each need about $43.19/hour.
Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights
Breakdown of median earnings, workforce scale, and premier occupations across major economic sectors.
Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix
Localized median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and purchasing power across all tracked careers.
| Occupation Title & Category | Metro Median Salary | Hourly Rate | vs National Avg | CoL Adjusted Real Wage | Explore |
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Peer Metropolitan Market Comparisons
Side-by-side BLS median wages, housing rent benchmarks, and municipal tax rates across key regional competitors.
Metropolitan Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metropolitan area in 2026?
The BLS median wage across all occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $54,730 per year ($26.31/hour), +7.4% vs US (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA costs $3,390/month and a 2-bedroom $4,254/month. The metro's median wage covers annual 1BR rent 1.3x over.
What local municipal taxes apply to workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Workers residing or performing services within Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA are subject to no municipal income tax, in addition to statutory state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA withholdings.
What is the living wage required in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA for single adults and families?
Based on the EPI Family Budget Calculator, a single working adult in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA needs about $50.95/hour ($105,976/year) to cover basic expenses. Two working adults supporting one child each need about $43.19/hour, 179,670 a year for the household.
Metropolitan statistical area compensation intelligence, living wage requirements, and occupation distributions in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA. Official 2026 economic data for Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.