Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Salem, OR MSA vs Albany, OR MSA

How do Salem, OR MSA and Albany, OR MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,201
Salem, OR MSA (1BR)
$1,236
Albany, OR MSA (1BR)
−3%
1BR difference

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

Metro
Salem, OR MSA
$1,201/mo 1BR
Population: 433,415
Metro
Albany, OR MSA
$1,236/mo 1BR
Population: 128,598

A 1-bedroom in Salem, OR MSA is 3% cheaper than Albany, OR MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,201 vs $1,236). 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 Salem, OR MSA Albany, OR MSA Difference
Studio $1,181 $1,034 +$147 (+14%)
1 Bedroom $1,201 $1,236 −$35 (-3%)
2 Bedroom $1,560 $1,500 +$60 (+4%)
3 Bedroom $2,159 $2,030 +$129 (+6%)
4 Bedroom $2,338 $2,356 −$18 (-1%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Salem, OR MSA is 25% above the US average. Albany, OR MSA is 29% above.

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