Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Jefferson County vs Cook County

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

$782
Jefferson County (1BR)
$1,581
Cook County (1BR)
−51%
1BR difference

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

County
Jefferson County
$782/mo 1BR
Population: 37,043
County
Cook County
$1,581/mo 1BR
Population: 5,225,367

A 1-bedroom in Jefferson County is 51% cheaper than Cook County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($782 vs $1,581). 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 Jefferson County Cook County Difference
Studio $777 $1,480 −$703 (-48%)
1 Bedroom $782 $1,581 −$799 (-51%)
2 Bedroom $1,026 $1,781 −$755 (-42%)
3 Bedroom $1,248 $2,294 −$1046 (-46%)
4 Bedroom $1,365 $2,653 −$1288 (-49%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Jefferson County is 18% below the US average. Cook County is 65% above.

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