Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Polk County vs Milwaukee County
How do Polk County and Milwaukee County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $836
- Polk County (1BR)
- $1,119
- Milwaukee County (1BR)
- −25%
- 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 25% cheaper than Milwaukee County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($836 vs $1,119). 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 | Milwaukee County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $756 | $1,027 | −$271 (-26%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $836 | $1,119 | −$283 (-25%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,097 | $1,338 | −$241 (-18%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,357 | $1,648 | −$291 (-18%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,669 | $1,784 | −$115 (-6%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Polk County is 13% below the US average. Milwaukee County is 17% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).