Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,575$18,900 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Berks County, PA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Berks County, PA
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,086 | $13,032 | $43,440 | $20.88/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,237 | $14,844 | $49,480 | $23.79/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,575 | $18,900 | $63,000 | $30.29/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,937 | $23,244 | $77,480 | $37.25/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,085 | $25,020 | $83,400 | $40.10/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Berks County, PA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Berks County, PA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Berks County, PA is $1,575 per month ($18,900 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Berks County, PA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,575/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $30.29 per hour ($63,000/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Berks County, PA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Berks County, PA are: Studio: $1,086/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,237/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,575/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,937/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,085/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Berks County, PA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $79,777/year ($6,648/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 23.7% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Berks County, PA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,575/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,575 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $63,000 per year.