Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Portage County vs Milwaukee County

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

$794
Portage County (1BR)
$1,119
Milwaukee County (1BR)
−29%
1BR difference

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

County
Portage County
$794/mo 1BR
Population: 70,281
County
Milwaukee County
$1,119/mo 1BR
Population: 933,063

A 1-bedroom in Portage County is 29% cheaper than Milwaukee County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($794 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 Portage County Milwaukee County Difference
Studio $715 $1,027 −$312 (-30%)
1 Bedroom $794 $1,119 −$325 (-29%)
2 Bedroom $1,037 $1,338 −$301 (-22%)
3 Bedroom $1,243 $1,648 −$405 (-25%)
4 Bedroom $1,373 $1,784 −$411 (-23%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Portage County is 17% 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).