Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$2,486$29,832 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Middlesex County, NJ
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Middlesex County, NJ
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 | $1,804 | $21,648 | $72,160 | $34.69/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,978 | $23,736 | $79,120 | $38.04/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $2,486 | $29,832 | $99,440 | $47.81/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,981 | $35,772 | $119,240 | $57.33/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,296 | $39,552 | $131,840 | $63.38/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Middlesex County, NJ
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Middlesex County, NJ?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Middlesex County, NJ is $2,486 per month ($29,832 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Middlesex County, NJ?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,486/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $47.81 per hour ($99,440/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Middlesex County, NJ?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Middlesex County, NJ are: Studio: $1,804/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,978/mo, 2-Bedroom: $2,486/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,981/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $3,296/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Middlesex County, NJ?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $111,549/year ($9,296/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 26.7% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Middlesex County, NJ?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $2,486/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($2,486 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $99,440 per year.