Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Essex County vs Bergen County

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

$1,822
Essex County (1BR)
$2,024
Bergen County (1BR)
−10%
1BR difference

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

County
Essex County
$1,822/mo 1BR
Population: 853,374
County
Bergen County
$2,024/mo 1BR
Population: 953,243

A 1-bedroom in Essex County is 10% cheaper than Bergen County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,822 vs $2,024). 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 Essex County Bergen County Difference
Studio $1,612 $1,778 −$166 (-9%)
1 Bedroom $1,822 $2,024 −$202 (-10%)
2 Bedroom $2,205 $2,324 −$119 (-5%)
3 Bedroom $2,761 $2,835 −$74 (-3%)
4 Bedroom $3,137 $3,618 −$481 (-13%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Essex County is 90% above the US average. Bergen County is 111% above.

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