Average Rent in Watertown, NY (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Watertown, NY is $950/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 12 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +5.1% year over year. Rents range from $880 to $1,070.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$950/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 12 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +5.1%
Source: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Watertown, NY is $950/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 12 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 5.1% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Watertown is 21% below the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Watertown, NY ranges from $880 to $1,070 across 12 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Watertown, NY is approximately 5.1% for 2026. An increase above 5.1% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Watertown, NY?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Watertown, NY is $950/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 12 ZIP codes. Rents range from $880 to $1,070 depending on neighborhood — a $190/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $38,000/year.
Is rent going up in Watertown?
Rents in Watertown have increased 5.1% year over year based on local market data. This is a notably high rate of increase, indicating strong upward rent pressure in Watertown.
What is a fair rent increase in Watertown?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 5.1% is in line with the Watertown market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Watertown
+5.1%
Rents in Watertown are rising at +5.1% year-over-year.
− Estimated trend
Market sources range from -0.1% to +6.9%
Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Watertown?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Watertown typically rents for $865 – $1,049.
Rents above $1,206 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Watertown typically rents for $950 – $1,159.
Rents above $1,333 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Watertown typically rents for $1,249 – $1,521.
Rents above $1,749 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Watertown typically rents for $1,693 – $2,064.
Rents above $2,374 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Watertown typically rents for $2,076 – $2,534.
Rents above $2,914 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Watertown
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$865
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$950
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,249
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$1,693
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,076
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Watertown
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Watertown Compare?
Questions about rent in Watertown
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Watertown, NY?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Watertown, NY is $950/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 12 ZIP codes in the city. This is 21% below the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $880 to $1,070 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Watertown?
A rent increase up to about 5.1% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Watertown. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $950/month.
Are rents going up or down in Watertown?
Rents in Watertown have increased 5.1% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 12 ZIP codes in the Watertown-Fort Drum, NY MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Watertown?
1-bedroom rents across Watertown range from $880 to $1,070 on this page, a $190/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Watertown?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Watertown. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Watertown?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Watertown at $950/month, a household would need approximately $38,000/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Watertown ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in New York →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in New York.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →