Average Rent in Seattle 2026
Seattle Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,100
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,800
per month
3 Bedrooms
$3,500
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Seattle
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Seattle renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $2,100 | $2,800 | $3,500 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $150 | $190 | $225 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $18 | $21 | $24 |
| Total monthly | $2,338 | $3,081 | $3,819 |
Utility estimates scale with Seattle’s cost of living index (156). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Seattle
156
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Seattle's cost of living index is 156, which is 56% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Seattle at a Glance
Population
737K
Median Income
$105,391
COL Index
156
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Seattle?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Seattle by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $2,100/mo | $84,000 | $40.38/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,800/mo | $112,000 | $53.85/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,500/mo | $140,000 | $67.31/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Seattle at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Seattle apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Roommate required |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | Studio or roommate |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 1-bedroom |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,400 in Seattle — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Seattle
Save $700/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$2,100
per month
Split 2BR
$1,400
per person/month
Annual Savings
$8,400
per year
Instead of paying $2,100 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,800) with one roommate brings your share to $1,400. That is $8,400 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Seattle
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$2,100–$4,200
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$2,100
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$2,100
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Seattle: $4,250–$8,400 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Seattle
Seattle, WA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Seattle Compares to Other US Cities
Seattle sits well above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Seattle
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Seattle Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Seattle rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Seattle
Is Seattle expensive to rent in?
Seattle is a high-cost rental market. A 1-bedroom averages $2,100 per month in 2026, about 56% above the national average. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and South Lake Union are among the priciest. Washington state has no income tax, which partially offsets higher rents.
How much income do you need to rent in Seattle?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $7,000 per month ($84,000 annually) to afford an average $2,100/month 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Seattle?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,800/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,400, saving $700 per month or $8,400 per year compared to renting alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Seattle?
Renters in Seattle typically pay about $150 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $18 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $238 on top of your $2,100 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Seattle?
Most Seattle landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $2,100 for a 1-bedroom at the Seattle average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($4,200), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Seattle affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Seattle is $105,391, which comes out to about $8,783 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $2,100, that's roughly 24% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Seattle?