Rent in Dane County, WI at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,694$20,328 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,565 (−7.6%)How much rent can you afford in Dane County, WI?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Dane County, WI by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,268 | $15,216 | $50,720 | $24.38/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,482 | $17,784 | $59,280 | $28.50/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,694 | $20,328 | $67,760 | $32.58/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,236 | $26,832 | $89,440 | $43.00/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,509 | $30,108 | $100,360 | $48.25/hr |
Cost of living in Dane County, WI: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Dane County, WI
Rent in Dane County, WI: common questions
How much is rent going down in Dane County, WI in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,565 for a two-bedroom, down 7.6% from $1,694. A one-bedroom goes from $1,482 to $1,375, a studio from $1,268 to $1,196.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Dane County, WI?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,482 for a one-bedroom and $1,694 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $20,328 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Dane County, WI?
To keep a $1,694 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $32.58 an hour, or $67,760 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,482 takes $28.50 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Dane County, WI?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,268, one bedroom $1,482, two $1,694, three $2,236 and four $2,509 a month.
Is rent affordable in Dane County, WI?
For the typical household, earning $89,975 a year ($7,498 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,694 takes 22.6% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,694 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $67,760. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $32.58 an hour.