What is the Fair Market Rent in San Mateo County, CA for 2026?

For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in San Mateo County (San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area) is $2,485 for a studio, $2,977 for 1 bedroom, $3,604 for 2 bedrooms, $4,604 for 3 bedrooms, and $4,772 for 4 bedrooms.

How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in San Mateo County?

Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in San Mateo County that range is about $3,244–$3,964 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.

Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?

No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.

San Mateo County, CA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)

Official HUD Fair Market Rent for San Mateo County (San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.

$3,604 / mo · 2 BR FMR

Unit size	Fair Market Rent	Voucher range (90–110%)
Studio	$2,485	$2,237–$2,734
1 BR	$2,977	$2,679–$3,275
2 BR	$3,604	$3,244–$3,964
3 BR	$4,604	$4,144–$5,064
4 BR	$4,772	$4,295–$5,249

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Voucher range = 90–110% of FMR (your PHA sets the exact standard).

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What this means

If you rent (or are renting out) a home in San Mateo County with a Housing Choice Voucher, the housing authority caps assistance at its payment standard — usually 90–110% of the Fair Market Rent above. A 2-bedroom payment standard here is roughly $3,244–$3,964/month. The tenant generally pays about 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and the voucher covers the rest up to the standard. The unit must also pass a housing-quality inspection and a rent-reasonableness check.

Heads up: The figure above is the HUD Fair Market Rent. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets the actual payment standard — usually between 90% and 110% of it — so confirm your exact amount with the PHA that issued the voucher.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fair Market Rent in San Mateo County, CA for 2026?: For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in San Mateo County (San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area) is $2,485 for a studio, $2,977 for 1 bedroom, $3,604 for 2 bedrooms, $4,604 for 3 bedrooms, and $4,772 for 4 bedrooms.
How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in San Mateo County?: Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in San Mateo County that range is about $3,244–$3,964 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?: No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.

This page shows official HUD Fair Market Rent data for general educational use — it is not legal, financial, or housing advice, and is not a guarantee of any voucher amount. Your local Public Housing Authority sets the actual payment standard and approves rents. Always confirm with your PHA and the official HUD FMR data.

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