Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,953/mo | $78,120/yr | $37.56 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,015/mo | $80,600/yr | $38.75 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,246/mo | $89,840/yr | $43.19 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,835/mo | $113,400/yr | $54.52 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,332/mo | $133,280/yr | $64.08 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD 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 $43.19 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $18.40, that is about 94 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area are $1,953 for studio, $2,015 for 1 bedroom, $2,246 for 2 bedrooms, $2,835 for 3 bedrooms, $3,332 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD?
At the Fair Market Rent of $2,246, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $89,840 a year, or $7,487 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO47900M47900. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.