Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Durham County vs Wake County

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

$1,507
Durham County (1BR)
$1,596
Wake County (1BR)
−6%
1BR difference

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

County
Durham County
$1,507/mo 1BR
Population: 325,101
County
Wake County
$1,596/mo 1BR
Population: 1,132,103

A 1-bedroom in Durham County is 6% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,507 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 Durham County Wake County Difference
Studio $1,417 $1,524 −$107 (-7%)
1 Bedroom $1,507 $1,596 −$89 (-6%)
2 Bedroom $1,711 $1,750 −$39 (-2%)
3 Bedroom $2,117 $2,196 −$79 (-4%)
4 Bedroom $2,527 $2,936 −$409 (-14%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Durham County is 57% above 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).