Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Howard County vs Marion County
How do Howard County and Marion County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $890
- Howard County (1BR)
- $1,267
- Marion County (1BR)
- −30%
- 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 Howard County is 30% cheaper than Marion County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($890 vs $1,267). 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 | Howard County | Marion County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $884 | $1,118 | −$234 (-21%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 | $1,267 | −$377 (-30%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,123 | $1,473 | −$350 (-24%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,388 | $1,907 | −$519 (-27%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,567 | $2,338 | −$771 (-33%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Howard County is 7% below the US average. Marion County is 32% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).