Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Essex County vs Washington County
How do Essex County and Washington County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $919
- Essex County (1BR)
- $1,129
- Washington County (1BR)
- −19%
- 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 19% cheaper than Washington County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($919 vs $1,129). 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 | Washington County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $780 | $1,122 | −$342 (-30%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $919 | $1,129 | −$210 (-19%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,007 | $1,482 | −$475 (-32%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,400 | $1,824 | −$424 (-23%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,640 | $1,962 | −$322 (-16%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Essex County is 4% below the US average. Washington County is 18% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).