Colorado · HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents · Updated

Rent in El Paso County, CO

HUD puts rent for a two-bedroom in El Paso County, CO at $1,735 a month for 2026, and a one-bedroom at $1,464. Keeping the two-bedroom under 30% of income takes $33.37 an hour full time, or $69,400 a year. The typical household there would spend 23% of its income on it. HUD's 2027 figure, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,621 (down 6.6%).

Rent in El Paso County, CO at a glance

2-bedroom rent (HUD)

$1,735$20,820 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,621 (−6.6%)
Studio$1,196$23/hr needed
1 bedroom$1,464$28/hr needed
Wage a 2-bedroom takes$33.37an hour, 40 hours a week
3 bedrooms$2,413$46/hr needed

How much rent can you afford in El Paso County, CO?

HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,735Monthly market rent
Share of gross income23%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$69,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,259At 30% of $90,363
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

Rent in El Paso County, CO 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.

HUD Fair Market Rent in El Paso County, CO, fiscal 2026, and the income each needs
SizeA monthA yearIncome neededHourly wage needed
Studio$1,196$14,352$47,840$23.00/hr
1 bedroom$1,464$17,568$58,560$28.15/hr
2 bedroomsMost searched$1,735$20,820$69,400$33.37/hr
3 bedrooms$2,413$28,956$96,520$46.40/hr
4 bedrooms$2,744$32,928$109,760$52.77/hr

Cost of living in El Paso County, CO: income, prices and a budget →

Rent in El Paso County, CO: common questions

How much is rent going down in El Paso County, CO in 2027?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,621 for a two-bedroom, down 6.6% from $1,735. A one-bedroom goes from $1,464 to $1,380, a studio from $1,196 to $1,129.

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 El Paso County, CO?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,464 for a one-bedroom and $1,735 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $20,820 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 El Paso County, CO?

To keep a $1,735 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $33.37 an hour, or $69,400 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,464 takes $28.15 an hour.

How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in El Paso County, CO?

At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,196, one bedroom $1,464, two $1,735, three $2,413 and four $2,744 a month.

Is rent affordable in El Paso County, CO?

For the typical household, earning $90,363 a year ($7,530 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,735 takes 23% 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: ($1,735 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $69,400. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $33.37 an hour.