Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,787$21,444 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Charleston, SC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Charleston, SC
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 | $1,557 | $18,684 | $62,280 | $29.94/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,630 | $19,560 | $65,200 | $31.35/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,787 | $21,444 | $71,480 | $34.37/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,222 | $26,664 | $88,880 | $42.73/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,562 | $30,744 | $102,480 | $49.27/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Charleston, SC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Charleston, SC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Charleston, SC is $1,787 per month ($21,444 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Charleston, SC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,787/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $34.37 per hour ($71,480/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Charleston, SC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Charleston, SC are: Studio: $1,557/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,630/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,787/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,222/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,562/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Charleston, SC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $92,414/year ($7,701/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 23.2% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Charleston, SC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,787/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,787 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $71,480 per year.