Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$2,201$26,412 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Palm Desert, CA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Palm Desert, CA
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 | $1,692 | $20,304 | $67,680 | $32.54/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,777 | $21,324 | $71,080 | $34.17/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $2,201 | $26,412 | $88,040 | $42.33/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,912 | $34,944 | $116,480 | $56.00/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,514 | $42,168 | $140,560 | $67.58/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Palm Desert, CA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Palm Desert, CA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Palm Desert, CA is $2,201 per month ($26,412 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Palm Desert, CA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,201/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $42.33 per hour ($88,040/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Palm Desert, CA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Palm Desert, CA are: Studio: $1,692/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,777/mo, 2-Bedroom: $2,201/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,912/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $3,514/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Palm Desert, CA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $77,513/year ($6,459/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 34.1% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Palm Desert, CA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $2,201/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($2,201 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $88,040 per year.