Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Whatcom County vs King County
How do Whatcom County and King County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,493
- Whatcom County (1BR)
- $2,146
- King County (1BR)
- −30%
- 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 Whatcom County is 30% cheaper than King County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,493 vs $2,146). 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 | Whatcom County | King County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,463 | $2,074 | −$611 (-29%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,493 | $2,146 | −$653 (-30%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,794 | $2,501 | −$707 (-28%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,495 | $3,272 | −$777 (-24%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,010 | $3,847 | −$837 (-22%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Whatcom County is 56% above the US average. King County is 124% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).