Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Watauga County vs Wake County
How do Watauga County and Wake County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $988
- Watauga County (1BR)
- $1,596
- Wake County (1BR)
- −38%
- 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 Watauga County is 38% cheaper than Wake County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($988 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 | Watauga County | Wake County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $822 | $1,524 | −$702 (-46%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $988 | $1,596 | −$608 (-38%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,177 | $1,750 | −$573 (-33%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,504 | $2,196 | −$692 (-32%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,974 | $2,936 | −$962 (-33%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Watauga County is 3% above 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).