Rent in Wayne County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,244$14,928 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,261 (+1.4%)How much rent can you afford in Wayne 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 Wayne 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 | $942 | $11,304 | $37,680 | $18.12/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $948 | $11,376 | $37,920 | $18.23/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,244 | $14,928 | $49,760 | $23.92/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,496 | $17,952 | $59,840 | $28.77/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,021 | $24,252 | $80,840 | $38.87/hr |
Cost of living in Wayne County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Wayne County, NC
Rent in Wayne County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Wayne County, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,261 for a two-bedroom, up 1.4% from $1,244. A one-bedroom goes from $948 to $964, a studio from $942 to $958.
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 Wayne County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $948 for a one-bedroom and $1,244 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $14,928 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 Wayne County, NC?
To keep a $1,244 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $23.92 an hour, or $49,760 a year. A one-bedroom at $948 takes $18.23 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Wayne County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $942, one bedroom $948, two $1,244, three $1,496 and four $2,021 a month.
Is rent affordable in Wayne County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $59,733 a year ($4,978 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,244 takes 25% 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: ($1,244 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $49,760. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $23.92 an hour.