Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Clay County vs Wake County

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

$948
Clay County (1BR)
$1,596
Wake County (1BR)
−41%
1BR difference

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

County
Clay County
$948/mo 1BR
Population: 11,186
County
Wake County
$1,596/mo 1BR
Population: 1,132,103

A 1-bedroom in Clay County is 41% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($948 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 Clay County Wake County Difference
Studio $878 $1,524 −$646 (-42%)
1 Bedroom $948 $1,596 −$648 (-41%)
2 Bedroom $1,039 $1,750 −$711 (-41%)
3 Bedroom $1,429 $2,196 −$767 (-35%)
4 Bedroom $1,561 $2,936 −$1375 (-47%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Clay County is 1% 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).