Rent in Dare County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,430$17,160 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,510 (+5.6%)How much rent can you afford in Dare County, NC?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Dare County, NC 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 | $1,120 | $13,440 | $44,800 | $21.54/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,305 | $15,660 | $52,200 | $25.10/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,430 | $17,160 | $57,200 | $27.50/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,821 | $21,852 | $72,840 | $35.02/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,893 | $22,716 | $75,720 | $36.40/hr |
Cost of living in Dare County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Dare County, NC
Rent in Dare County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Dare County, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,510 for a two-bedroom, up 5.6% from $1,430. A one-bedroom goes from $1,305 to $1,387, a studio from $1,120 to $1,194.
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 Dare County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,305 for a one-bedroom and $1,430 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $17,160 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 Dare County, NC?
To keep a $1,430 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $27.50 an hour, or $57,200 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,305 takes $25.10 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Dare County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,120, one bedroom $1,305, two $1,430, three $1,821 and four $1,893 a month.
Is rent affordable in Dare County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $88,994 a year ($7,416 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,430 takes 19.3% 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: ($1,430 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $57,200. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $27.50 an hour.