Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Columbus, IN MSA vs Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area

How do Columbus, IN MSA and Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,257
Columbus, IN MSA (1BR)
$1,072
Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area (1BR)
+17%
1BR difference

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

Metro
Columbus, IN MSA
$1,257/mo 1BR
Population: 82,371
Metro
Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area
$1,072/mo 1BR
Population: 161,426

A 1-bedroom in Columbus, IN MSA is 17% more expensive than Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,257 vs $1,072). 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, IN MSA Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area Difference
Studio $1,233 $966 +$267 (+28%)
1 Bedroom $1,257 $1,072 +$185 (+17%)
2 Bedroom $1,415 $1,210 +$205 (+17%)
3 Bedroom $1,697 $1,572 +$125 (+8%)
4 Bedroom $2,000 $1,906 +$94 (+5%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Columbus, IN MSA is 31% above the US average. Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area is 12% above.

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