Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Beaufort County vs Wake County

How do Beaufort County and Wake County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$737
Beaufort County (1BR)
$1,596
Wake County (1BR)
−54%
1BR difference

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

County
Beaufort County
$737/mo 1BR
Population: 44,711
County
Wake County
$1,596/mo 1BR
Population: 1,132,103

A 1-bedroom in Beaufort County is 54% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($737 vs $1,596). 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 Beaufort County Wake County Difference
Studio $732 $1,524 −$792 (-52%)
1 Bedroom $737 $1,596 −$859 (-54%)
2 Bedroom $925 $1,750 −$825 (-47%)
3 Bedroom $1,220 $2,196 −$976 (-44%)
4 Bedroom $1,552 $2,936 −$1384 (-47%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Beaufort County is 23% below the US average. Wake County is 66% above.

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