Average Rent in Hillsborough, NC (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Hillsborough, NC is $1,480/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 1 ZIP codes. Rents have changed -1.4% year over year. Rents range from $1,480 to $1,480.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,480/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 1 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↓ -1.4%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Hillsborough, NC is $1,480/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 1 ZIP codes. Rents have decreased 1.4% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Hillsborough is 24% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Hillsborough, NC ranges from $1,480 to $1,480 across 1 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Hillsborough, NC is approximately 1.4% for 2026. An increase above 1.4% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Hillsborough, NC?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Hillsborough, NC is $1,480/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 1 ZIP codes. Rents across Hillsborough are relatively uniform, clustering around $1,480/month. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $59,200/year.
Is rent going up in Hillsborough?
Rents in Hillsborough have decreased 1.4% year over year based on local market data. Declining rents may give renters leverage when negotiating renewals.
What is a fair rent increase in Hillsborough?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 1.4% is in line with the Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough
-1.4%
Rents in Hillsborough are cooling at -1.4% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from -2.6% to +0.8%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+0.8%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-2.6%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Hillsborough right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Hillsborough?
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 Hillsborough typically rents for $1,400 – $1,532.
Rents above $1,762 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Hillsborough typically rents for $1,480 – $1,630.
Rents above $1,874 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Hillsborough typically rents for $1,690 – $1,850.
Rents above $2,128 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Hillsborough typically rents for $2,110 – $2,289.
Rents above $2,632 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Hillsborough typically rents for $2,530 – $2,732.
Rents above $3,142 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Hillsborough
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,400
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,480
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,690
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$2,110
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,530
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Hillsborough
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
HUD publishes a single Fair Market Rent for the entire Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area metro area. For zip-level variation, the tool uses additional data sources including real-time comparable listings and local market indices.
All zip codes in Hillsborough share the same county-level HUD Fair Market Rent ($1,480 for 1-BR). Click any zip for SAFMR-specific rates.
County-level FMR shown in city summary above.
How Does Hillsborough Compare?
Questions about rent in Hillsborough
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Hillsborough, NC?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Hillsborough, NC is $1,480/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 1 ZIP codes in the city. This is 24% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,480 to $1,480 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Hillsborough?
A rent increase up to about 1.4% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Hillsborough. 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 $1,480/month.
Are rents going up or down in Hillsborough?
Rents in Hillsborough have decreased 1.4% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 1 ZIP codes in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Hillsborough?
1-bedroom rents across Hillsborough range from $1,480 to $1,480 on this page, a $0/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 Hillsborough?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Hillsborough. 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 Hillsborough?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Hillsborough at $1,480/month, a household would need approximately $59,200/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 Hillsborough 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 North Carolina →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in North Carolina.
- 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 →