Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $838/mo | $33,520/yr | $16.12 |
| 1 bedroom | $998/mo | $39,920/yr | $19.19 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,162/mo | $46,480/yr | $22.35 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,531/mo | $61,240/yr | $29.44 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,571/mo | $62,840/yr | $30.21 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI 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 $22.35 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $13.73, that is about 65 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Kalamazoo-Portage, MI MSA are $838 for studio, $998 for 1 bedroom, $1,162 for 2 bedrooms, $1,531 for 3 bedrooms, $1,571 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
At the Fair Market Rent of $1,162, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $46,480 a year, or $3,873 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO28020M28020. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.