Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Wake County vs Mecklenburg County
How do Wake County and Mecklenburg County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,596
- Wake County (1BR)
- $1,538
- Mecklenburg County (1BR)
- +4%
- 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 Wake County is 4% more expensive than Mecklenburg County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,596 vs $1,538). 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 | Wake County | Mecklenburg County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,524 | $1,469 | +$55 (+4%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,596 | $1,538 | +$58 (+4%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,750 | $1,686 | +$64 (+4%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,196 | $2,076 | +$120 (+6%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,936 | $2,637 | +$299 (+11%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Wake County is 66% above the US average. Mecklenburg County is 60% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).