Santa Cruz County Tops List for Highest Rent in the US
Santa Cruz County is now the most expensive place to rent in the country, with Monterey County sitting not far behind, according to a new report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). To afford the average two-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz County, a person would have to make $63.33 an hour. Last year that number was $60.35 when Santa Cruz County ranked as the second most expensive place to live. NLIHC bases the number on the federal standard that no more than 30% of a household's gross income should be spent on rent and utilities.