City Report · NC

Arden

·91st most expensive in North Carolina·Rental market data updated monthly for Arden, NC
Median rent (all units)
$1,569/mo
Year-over-Year
-4.5%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
-$393
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Arden · $1,569
More affordable than 71% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
71/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Arden's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,569/mo
Expected by trend
$1,756/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Arden's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,500
1 BR
$1,570
2 BR
$1,760
3 BR
$2,260
4 BR+
$2,980
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,760/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,569 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$18,828/yr
At $1,569/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-4.5% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Arden, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,299 → $1,569
up 20.8%

The median rent in Arden, NC stood at $1,299 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,569, reflecting a 20.8% increase over the period. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Arden, NC market of 2021.

Community

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View Arden rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Arden on your salary?

At $1,569/mo, how Arden rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Arden rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Arden. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Arden

About renting in Arden, NC

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Arden is $1,569/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,500/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,760/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,570/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,260/mo.

At 26% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Arden ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 4.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Arden an affordable city for renters?

Arden is considered affordable for renters. At $1,569/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Arden falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Arden?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $63,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,569/mo in Arden.

Is rent going up or down in Arden?

Rent in Arden has decreased 4.5% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Arden rent compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Arden is one of the more affordable cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #91 out of 128 tracked cities at $1,569/mo.

How does Arden rent compare to the national average?

Arden's median rent of $1,569/mo is $393 (20%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #91 out of 128 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,569/mo, rent takes ~26% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Arden 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Arden affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Arden
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Arden, NC

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