Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Merrimack County vs Hillsborough County

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

$1,504
Merrimack County (1BR)
$1,673
Hillsborough County (1BR)
−10%
1BR difference

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

County
Merrimack County
$1,504/mo 1BR
Population: 4,727
County
Hillsborough County
$1,673/mo 1BR
Population: 11,821

A 1-bedroom in Merrimack County is 10% cheaper than Hillsborough County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,504 vs $1,673). 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 Merrimack County Hillsborough County Difference
Studio $1,361 $1,467 −$106 (-7%)
1 Bedroom $1,504 $1,673 −$169 (-10%)
2 Bedroom $1,974 $2,127 −$153 (-7%)
3 Bedroom $2,604 $2,822 −$218 (-8%)
4 Bedroom $2,614 $3,001 −$387 (-13%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Merrimack County is 57% above the US average. Hillsborough County is 74% above.

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