North Carolina · HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents · Updated

Rent in Gaston County, NC

HUD puts rent for a two-bedroom in Gaston County, NC at $1,686 a month for 2026, and a one-bedroom at $1,538. Keeping the two-bedroom under 30% of income takes $32.42 an hour full time, or $67,440 a year. The typical household there would spend 30% of its income on it. HUD's 2027 figure, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,785 (up 5.9%).

Rent in Gaston County, NC at a glance

2-bedroom rent (HUD)

$1,686$20,232 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,785 (+5.9%)
Studio$1,469$28/hr needed
1 bedroom$1,538$30/hr needed
Wage a 2-bedroom takes$32.42an hour, 40 hours a week
3 bedrooms$2,076$40/hr needed

How much rent can you afford in Gaston County, NC?

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$1,686Monthly market rent
Share of gross income30%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$67,440To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,687At 30% of $67,478
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

Rent in Gaston 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.

HUD Fair Market Rent in Gaston County, NC, fiscal 2026, and the income each needs
SizeA monthA yearIncome neededHourly wage needed
Studio$1,469$17,628$58,760$28.25/hr
1 bedroom$1,538$18,456$61,520$29.58/hr
2 bedroomsMost searched$1,686$20,232$67,440$32.42/hr
3 bedrooms$2,076$24,912$83,040$39.92/hr
4 bedrooms$2,637$31,644$105,480$50.71/hr

Cost of living in Gaston County, NC: income, prices and a budget →

Rent in Gaston County, NC: common questions

How much is rent going up in Gaston County, NC in 2027?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,785 for a two-bedroom, up 5.9% from $1,686. A one-bedroom goes from $1,538 to $1,640, a studio from $1,469 to $1,574.

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 Gaston County, NC?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,538 for a one-bedroom and $1,686 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $20,232 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 Gaston County, NC?

To keep a $1,686 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $32.42 an hour, or $67,440 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,538 takes $29.58 an hour.

How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Gaston County, NC?

At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,469, one bedroom $1,538, two $1,686, three $2,076 and four $2,637 a month.

Is rent affordable in Gaston County, NC?

For the typical household, earning $67,478 a year ($5,623 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,686 takes 30% 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: ($1,686 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $67,440. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $32.42 an hour.