Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA vs Albany, GA MSA

How do Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA and Albany, GA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,183
Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA (1BR)
$1,006
Albany, GA MSA (1BR)
+18%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA
$1,183/mo 1BR
Population: 216,194
Metro
Albany, GA MSA
$1,006/mo 1BR
Population: 147,716

A 1-bedroom in Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA is 18% more expensive than Albany, GA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,183 vs $1,006). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA Albany, GA MSA Difference
Studio $1,159 $966 +$193 (+20%)
1 Bedroom $1,183 $1,006 +$177 (+18%)
2 Bedroom $1,331 $1,129 +$202 (+18%)
3 Bedroom $1,734 $1,534 +$200 (+13%)
4 Bedroom $1,831 $1,858 −$27 (-1%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA is 23% above the US average. Albany, GA MSA is 5% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).