Section 8 Rent Calculator
Estimate what you'd pay and what a Section 8 voucher could cover, using HUD's 2027 Fair Market Rents for your ZIP code or county.
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Frequently asked questions
- How is Section 8 rent calculated?
- Most voucher holders pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The housing authority pays the rest, up to its payment standard. Some housing authorities also set a minimum rent of up to $50.
- What is a payment standard?
- It's the most a housing authority will count toward rent for a unit size. It is usually set between 90% and 110% of HUD's Fair Market Rent. If the rent is higher, you pay the difference.
- What is the 40% rule?
- When you first rent a unit with a voucher, your share of rent and utilities can't be more than 40% of your adjusted monthly income.
- Why might my real rent be different?
- Your housing authority uses its own payment standard and utility allowance, and deductions for dependents, elderly or disabled household members, childcare and some medical costs lower the income it counts.