Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$2,246$26,952 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Washington, DC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Washington, DC
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 | $1,953 | $23,436 | $78,120 | $37.56/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,015 | $24,180 | $80,600 | $38.75/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $2,246 | $26,952 | $89,840 | $43.19/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,835 | $34,020 | $113,400 | $54.52/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,332 | $39,984 | $133,280 | $64.08/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Washington, DC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Washington, DC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Washington, DC is $2,246 per month ($26,952 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Washington, DC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,246/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $43.19 per hour ($89,840/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Washington, DC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Washington, DC are: Studio: $1,953/mo, 1-Bedroom: $2,015/mo, 2-Bedroom: $2,246/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,835/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $3,332/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Washington, DC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $109,870/year ($9,156/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 24.5% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Washington, DC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $2,246/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($2,246 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $89,840 per year.