Rent in Polk County, FL at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,497$17,964 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,608 (+7.4%)How much rent can you afford in Polk County, FL?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Polk County, FL 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 | $1,226 | $14,712 | $49,040 | $23.58/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,230 | $14,760 | $49,200 | $23.65/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,497 | $17,964 | $59,880 | $28.79/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,023 | $24,276 | $80,920 | $38.90/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,511 | $30,132 | $100,440 | $48.29/hr |
Cost of living in Polk County, FL: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Polk County, FL
Rent in Polk County, FL: common questions
How much is rent going up in Polk County, FL in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,608 for a two-bedroom, up 7.4% from $1,497. A one-bedroom goes from $1,230 to $1,338, a studio from $1,226 to $1,258.
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 Polk County, FL?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,230 for a one-bedroom and $1,497 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $17,964 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 Polk County, FL?
To keep a $1,497 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $28.79 an hour, or $59,880 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,230 takes $23.65 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Polk County, FL?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,226, one bedroom $1,230, two $1,497, three $2,023 and four $2,511 a month.
Is rent affordable in Polk County, FL?
For the typical household, earning $65,978 a year ($5,498 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,497 takes 27.2% 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: ($1,497 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $59,880. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $28.79 an hour.