Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Howard County vs Harris County

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

$924
Howard County (1BR)
$1,323
Harris 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).

County
Howard County
$924/mo 1BR
Population: 34,488
County
Harris County
$1,323/mo 1BR
Population: 4,726,177

A 1-bedroom in Howard County is 30% cheaper than Harris County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($924 vs $1,323). 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 Harris County Difference
Studio $918 $1,280 −$362 (-28%)
1 Bedroom $924 $1,323 −$399 (-30%)
2 Bedroom $1,173 $1,573 −$400 (-25%)
3 Bedroom $1,406 $2,116 −$710 (-34%)
4 Bedroom $1,726 $2,639 −$913 (-35%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Howard County is 4% below the US average. Harris County is 38% above.

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