Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$3,483$41,796 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Santa Clara County, CA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Santa Clara County, 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 | $2,621 | $31,452 | $104,840 | $50.40/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,982 | $35,784 | $119,280 | $57.35/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $3,483 | $41,796 | $139,320 | $66.98/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $4,602 | $55,224 | $184,080 | $88.50/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $5,010 | $60,120 | $200,400 | $96.35/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Santa Clara County, CA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Clara County, CA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Santa Clara County, CA is $3,483 per month ($41,796 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Santa Clara County, CA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $3,483/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $66.98 per hour ($139,320/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Santa Clara County, CA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Santa Clara County, CA are: Studio: $2,621/mo, 1-Bedroom: $2,982/mo, 2-Bedroom: $3,483/mo, 3-Bedroom: $4,602/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $5,010/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Santa Clara County, CA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $164,281/year ($13,690/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 25.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Santa Clara County, CA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $3,483/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($3,483 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $139,320 per year.