Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Polk County vs Wake County
How do Polk County and Wake County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $829
- Polk County (1BR)
- $1,596
- Wake County (1BR)
- −48%
- 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 Polk County is 48% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($829 vs $1,596). 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 | Polk County | Wake County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $824 | $1,524 | −$700 (-46%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $829 | $1,596 | −$767 (-48%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $983 | $1,750 | −$767 (-44%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,351 | $2,196 | −$845 (-38%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,649 | $2,936 | −$1287 (-44%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Polk County is 14% below the US average. Wake County is 66% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).