Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,136/mo | $45,440/yr | $21.85 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,319/mo | $52,760/yr | $25.37 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,647/mo | $65,880/yr | $31.67 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,250/mo | $90,000/yr | $43.27 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,496/mo | $99,840/yr | $48.00 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 $31.67 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $10.85, that is about 117 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 Lewis and Clark County, MT?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area are $1,136 for studio, $1,319 for 1 bedroom, $1,647 for 2 bedrooms, $2,250 for 3 bedrooms, $2,496 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Lewis and Clark County, MT?
At the Fair Market Rent of $1,647, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $65,880 a year, or $5,490 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO25740N30049. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.