Washington

Seattle, WA Rental Market

Seattle is one of the most economically powerful metropolitan areas in the United States, home to Amazon's global headquarters, Microsoft's Redmond campus, and Boeing's commercial aircraft production — a concentration of technology and aerospace employment that few cities in the world can match. Washington State's absence of a state income tax and Seattle's dynamic Puget Sound setting have made it one of the most sought-after destinations for high-income tech professionals, sustaining premium rents and a deeply liquid rental market.

Get a rent estimate for an address in Seattle

Average Rent in Seattle, WA

$2,350

per month · 2026-06

+3.5% year-over-year

Market Score

7/10

Key Facts — Seattle, WA Rental Market

  • Average rent in Seattle, WA:$2,350/mo
  • Median rent:$2,162/mo
  • Rent range:$1,175 – $5,150/mo
  • Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$2,075/mo
  • Active listings:4,500
  • Avg days to lease:24 days
  • Year-over-year change:+3.5%
  • Median home value:$700,000
  • Est. gross annual yield:4.0%
  • Data as of:2026-06

Rent by Bedroom in Seattle, WA

Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Seattle.

Bedroom TypeAvg Rent/mo
1 Bedroom
$1,700/mo
2 Bedrooms
$2,075/mo
3 Bedrooms
$2,625/mo
4 Bedrooms
$3,250/mo
5 Bedrooms
$3,725/mo

Seattle Rental Market Statistics

Key indicators from the current Seattle, WA rental market.

Active Listings

4,500

Available now in Seattle

Avg Days on Market

24

From list to lease

Rent per Sq Ft

$1.74

Average across listings

Avg Square Footage

1,350 sq ft

Typical rental size

Rent Range

$1,175 – $5,150

Min to max active listings

Year-over-Year Change

+3.5%

Avg rent vs. prior year

Investing in Seattle, WA Rental Properties

Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.

Median Home Value

$700,000

Typical purchase price in Seattle

Est. Gross Annual Yield

4.0%

Before expenses & vacancy

Avg Monthly Income

$2,350

At average market rent

Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Seattle for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.

Seattle, WA Rental Market FAQ

Common questions about renting and investing in Seattle, WA.

What is the average rent in Seattle, WA?

The average rent in Seattle, WA is $2,350 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $1,700/mo, two-bedrooms average $2,075/mo, and three-bedroom homes average $2,625/mo. Capitol Hill, South Lake Union (Amazon's HQ neighborhood), and Belltown command the highest rents, while the Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, and White Center offer relatively more affordable options within city limits.

Is Seattle, WA a good place to invest in rental property?

Seattle offers a 4.0% estimated gross yield — compressed by a $700,000 median home value — but is one of the most defensible long-term rental markets in the country. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing collectively employ hundreds of thousands of high-income workers, and Washington's no-income-tax advantage continues to attract corporate relocations and high-earning individuals. Strong 3.5% year-over-year rent growth supports consistent income growth.

How competitive is the Seattle, WA rental market?

Seattle averages just 24 days on market across over 4,500 active listings — remarkable velocity for a large metro. South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, and Fremont are among the tightest submarkets, where Amazon and tech worker demand keeps occupancy near 97%. Seattle has rent control ordinances limiting annual increases, which investors should factor into underwriting. Properties near light rail stations on the Link system have seen accelerating demand as the network has expanded.

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