Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,804/mo | $72,160/yr | $34.69 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,978/mo | $79,120/yr | $38.04 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,486/mo | $99,440/yr | $47.81 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,981/mo | $119,240/yr | $57.33 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,296/mo | $131,840/yr | $63.38 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ 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 $47.81 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $15.92, that is about 120 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 Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area are $1,804 for studio, $1,978 for 1 bedroom, $2,486 for 2 bedrooms, $2,981 for 3 bedrooms, $3,296 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ?
At the Fair Market Rent of $2,486, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $99,440 a year, or $8,287 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO35620MM5015. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.