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Santa Cruz Rents Soar: $168K Income Needed

7/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, California, has become a daunting challenge, demanding an income exceeding $168,000—making it the most unaffordable U.S. market for the third year in a row. With average renters earning just $22.13 per hour, they would need nearly four full-time jobs to make ends meet, highlighting the dire consequences of California's housing crisis driven by regulatory hurdles and a critical supply shortage.

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Story summary

Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, California, has become a daunting challenge, demanding an income exceeding $168,000—making it the most unaffordable U.S. market for the third year in a row. With average renters earning just $22.13 per hour, they would need nearly four full-time jobs to make ends meet, highlighting the dire consequences of California's housing crisis driven by regulatory hurdles and a critical supply shortage.