Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$2,501$30,012 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in King County, WA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: King County, WA
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 | $2,074 | $24,888 | $82,960 | $39.88/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,146 | $25,752 | $85,840 | $41.27/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $2,501 | $30,012 | $100,040 | $48.10/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $3,272 | $39,264 | $130,880 | $62.92/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,847 | $46,164 | $153,880 | $73.98/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in King County, WA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in King County, WA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in King County, WA is $2,501 per month ($30,012 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in King County, WA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,501/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $48.10 per hour ($100,040/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in King County, WA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in King County, WA are: Studio: $2,074/mo, 1-Bedroom: $2,146/mo, 2-Bedroom: $2,501/mo, 3-Bedroom: $3,272/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $3,847/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in King County, WA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $124,746/year ($10,396/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 24.1% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in King County, WA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $2,501/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($2,501 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $100,040 per year.