Average Rent in Seattle 2026
The average rent in Seattle, WA is $2,100 for a 1-bedroom, $2,800 for a 2-bedroom, and $3,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Seattle is 56% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $84,000.
Seattle Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,100
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,800
per month
3 Bedrooms
$3,500
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$2,100/mo rent
$84,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,800/mo rent
$112,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$3,500/mo rent
$140,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Seattle?