Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,643/mo | $65,720/yr | $31.60 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,754/mo | $70,160/yr | $33.73 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,089/mo | $83,560/yr | $40.17 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,734/mo | $109,360/yr | $52.58 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,049/mo | $121,960/yr | $58.63 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA. About 40% of comparable rentals cost less and 60% cost more, so treat these as a benchmark rather than a listing price. Income needed assumes rent and utilities take no more than 30% of gross income, the federal cost-burden line; the hourly figure assumes 2,080 working hours a year.
Rent vs wages
To afford the 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent here with 30% of a full-time income, you would need to earn about $40.17 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $15.16, that is about 106 hours of work a week. See how every metro compares.
What this means for renters
If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, your local housing authority sets its payment standards based on these FMRs; ask your agency for its exact figures. If you are budgeting a move, compare these numbers with real listings: newer or better-located units usually rent above the FMR.
Areas with similar rents nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA are $1,643 for studio, $1,754 for 1 bedroom, $2,089 for 2 bedrooms, $2,734 for 3 bedrooms, $3,049 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
At the Fair Market Rent of $2,089, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $83,560 a year, or $6,963 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO19740M19740. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.