Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,949/mo | $77,960/yr | $37.48 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,155/mo | $86,200/yr | $41.44 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,827/mo | $113,080/yr | $54.37 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,887/mo | $155,480/yr | $74.75 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,147/mo | $165,880/yr | $79.75 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 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 $54.37 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $16.90, that is about 129 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 Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA are $1,949 for studio, $2,155 for 1 bedroom, $2,827 for 2 bedrooms, $3,887 for 3 bedrooms, $4,147 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?
At the Fair Market Rent of $2,827, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $113,080 a year, or $9,423 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO42220M42220. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.