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Average Rent in Seattle, WA

Seattle offers a relatively balanced rent-to-income ratio thanks to high tech salaries. The city has been adding housing inventory which has kept rent growth moderate. Washington state recently passed significant tenant protections.

+2.1%YoY
Studio
$1,700
1-Bedroom
$2,050
2-Bedroom
$2,650
3-Bedroom
$3,200

Market Overview

Year-over-Year Change+2.1%
Vacancy Rate5.8%
Renter Population54%
Median Income$105,391/yr
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.3%
Cost of Living Index149 (US avg: 100)

Market Condition

Balanced Market

Market is relatively balanced between landlords and tenants.

Tenant Protections

  • Just Cause eviction ordinance
  • 180-day notice for increases over 10%
  • First-in-time application processing
  • Move-in fee limitations
  • No income tax (effectively more money for rent)

HUD Fair Market Rent (2025)

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area.

Studio
$1,245
1-Bed
$1,475
2-Bed
$1,768
3-Bed
$2,310
4-Bed
$2,612

Rent by Neighborhood in Seattle

Capitol Hill

Vibrant neighborhood with nightlife, restaurants, and diverse community.

Walk Score: 90Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$2,200
2-Bed
$2,800
3-Bed
$3,400

Ballard

Charming neighborhood with breweries, waterfront, and Scandinavian heritage.

Walk Score: 78Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$2,000
2-Bed
$2,500
3-Bed
$3,100

Queen Anne

Hilltop neighborhood with Space Needle views and upscale dining.

Walk Score: 74Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$2,100
2-Bed
$2,700
3-Bed
$3,300

University District

Student-friendly area near UW with affordable options and light rail.

Walk Score: 82Safety: 6/10
1-Bed
$1,600
2-Bed
$2,000
3-Bed
$2,500

West Seattle

Beach neighborhood with village feel, Alki Beach, and stunning views.

Walk Score: 55Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$1,800
2-Bed
$2,300
3-Bed
$2,800

Buildings in Seattle

View All

Capitol Hill Urban

Capitol Hill
4.0
95 units
$2,000
1-bed avg

Ballard Pines

Ballard
4.0
50 units
$1,850
1-bed avg

South Lake Union Tower

South Lake Union
3.6
180 units
$2,500
1-bed avg

Evergreen Community Homes at Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill
4.3
40 units
$1,400
1-bed avg

Tips for Renting in Seattle

  • 1Washington state has no income tax - factor this into your cost calculations
  • 2Seattle requires 180-day notice for rent increases over 10%
  • 3First-in-time rental application rules prevent landlord discrimination
  • 4New state law limits move-in fees and deposits

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Compare Other Cities

New York City
$3,450
1-bed avg
Los Angeles
$2,350
1-bed avg
Chicago
$1,750
1-bed avg
Houston
$1,200
1-bed avg

FareRent provides data for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice. Rent estimates are based on available market data and may not reflect your exact situation. Always verify independently before making housing decisions.