Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Mercer County vs Franklin County
How do Mercer County and Franklin County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $788
- Mercer County (1BR)
- $1,194
- Franklin County (1BR)
- −34%
- 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 Mercer County is 34% cheaper than Franklin County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($788 vs $1,194). 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 | Mercer County | Franklin County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $747 | $1,111 | −$364 (-33%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 | $1,194 | −$406 (-34%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $987 | $1,430 | −$443 (-31%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,287 | $1,715 | −$428 (-25%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,307 | $1,927 | −$620 (-32%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Mercer County is 18% below the US average. Franklin County is 25% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).