Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Essex County vs Fairfax County
How do Essex County and Fairfax County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $912
- Essex County (1BR)
- $2,015
- Fairfax 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 Essex County is 55% cheaper than Fairfax County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($912 vs $2,015). 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 | Fairfax County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $907 | $1,953 | −$1046 (-54%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $912 | $2,015 | −$1103 (-55%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,113 | $2,246 | −$1133 (-50%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,341 | $2,835 | −$1494 (-53%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,556 | $3,332 | −$1776 (-53%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Essex County is 5% below the US average. Fairfax County is 110% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).