Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Columbus County vs Wake County
How do Columbus County and Wake County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $722
- Columbus County (1BR)
- $1,596
- Wake County (1BR)
- −55%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Columbus County is 55% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($722 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 | Columbus County | Wake County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $718 | $1,524 | −$806 (-53%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $722 | $1,596 | −$874 (-55%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $925 | $1,750 | −$825 (-47%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,109 | $2,196 | −$1087 (-49%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,225 | $2,936 | −$1711 (-58%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Columbus County is 25% 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).