Renting in Seattle? Discover the most affordable Seattle suburbs to live in 2024.
With the Space Needle soaring, Olympic Mountain looming and a buzzing city coming to life, there are more than a few reasons to settle down in Seattle. If you’re new to the city you may be wondering, how much does rent cost in Seattle? The average monthly rent prices are $1,422 for a studio, $2,145 for a one-bedroom unit and $2,991 for a two-bedroom unit. However, these prices may not fit your budget.
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative in the Emerald City, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll explore 12 of the most affordable Seattle suburbs, where you can still enjoy the Pacific Northwest charm without breaking the bank. From scenic landscapes to tight-knit communities, these economical enclaves are budget-friendly ways to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Puget Sound region.
1. Des Moines
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,450
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,218
Distance from Seattle: 17 miles
Apartments for rent in Des Moines
Claiming the first place on our list of affordable Seattle suburbs is Des Moines. Only about 17 miles south of Seattle, you’re just a short distance from the city center. You’ll also save close to $700 monthly on rent if you’re planning to lease a one-bedroom apartment.
There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines. For example, you can explore Saltwater State Park along the shores of Puget Sound or spend the afternoon checking out the sea life at MaST Center Aquarium.
2. Tukwila
Average rent for a studio: $1,275
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,522
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,765
Distance from Seattle: 11 miles
Apartments for rent in Tukwila
Just 11 miles south of Seattle is our second suburb, Tukwila. The area is home to about 21,600 residents. The average rents are also much less than in Seattle. For example, a one-bedroom unit in Tukwila costs $1,522 compared to $2,145 in Seattle.
Tukwila is home to the Museum of Flight, an expansive museum with over 175 aircraft and plenty of displays, giving you plenty to explore. You can also visit the sprawling Southcenter Mall, which houses plenty of options for shopping, dining and killing a few hours in the middle of the day.
3. Kent
Average rent for a studio: $1,699
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,560
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,845
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
As a renter searching for affordability, you might want to consider Kent. It’s a fantastic suburb located about 20 miles south of Seattle. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is about $600 less than in Seattle.
In Kent, you can easily explore the scenic Green River Natural Resources Area, which has walking and biking trails that are perfect for enjoying the picturesque riverbanks. Kent is also home to the ShoWare Center, a popular venue for hockey games, concerts and more.
4. Auburn
Average rent for a studio: $1,595
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,604
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,600
Distance from Seattle: 28 miles
A bit farther from Seattle you’ll find Auburn, which is around 28 miles to the south. Auburn is an affordable suburban alternative to much of the surrounding area. The slightly longer commute might be a trade-off worth considering as the average rent is considerably less.
There’s plenty to do in Auburn, like exploring Game Farm Wilderness Park, where you can camp and explore the trails. You can also check out Emerald Downs, a great racing track to kick back and watch the ponies fly.
5. Federal Way
Average rent for a studio: $1,215
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,621
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,913
Distance from Seattle: 24 miles
Apartments for rent in Federal Way
About 24 miles away from downtown Seattle is Federal Way, another great suburb for renters to consider. Home to 99,000 residents, Federal Way is an excellent option for renters looking for a less busy city – and more affordable rent prices.
Federal Way supports a range of activities, including the Pacific Bonsai Museum, where you can admire a stunning collection of bonsai trees from around the world. You can explore Dash Point State Park, where you’ll find a beach, hiking trails and waterfront views. The city is also home to the Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, which provides thrilling rides and water slides, perfect for a family day in the heat of the summer.
6. Everett
Average rent for a studio: $1,950
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,651
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,852
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Apartments for rent in Everett
Securing the sixth spot on our list, Everett is a familiar Seattle suburb. This area is home to roughly 110,800 residents, making it feel much more city-like than many of the other towns featured in this article.
Everett is home to the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center, where you can take tours and learn about the aviation industry’s history and innovation. For outdoorsy types, Jetty Island, a sandy beach destination perfect for kiteboarding and kicking back by the beautiful Puget Sound, is a must-see.
7. Mountlake Terrace
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,722
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,250
Distance from from Seattle: 15 miles
Apartments for rent in Mountlake Terrace
Claiming the seventh spot on our list of renter-friendly Seattle suburbs is Mountlake Terrace. It’s only about 15 miles north of downtown, making it a great option for daily commuters.
While a smaller city, there is plenty to do in Mountlake Terrace. You can take a quick trip to the serene Ballinger Park, full of walking trails, a lake, picnicking and more. For a taste of local culture, you can visit Mountlake Terrace Pavilion, which hosts a ton of events and activities throughout the year.
8. Burien
Average rent for a studio: $1,672
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,930
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,119
Distance from Seattle: 12 miles
If you’re a longtime Seattle resident, then you probably know about Burien. In Burien, one-bedroom units generally rent for $1,930 and two-bedroom units are available for around $2,119, providing considerable savings compared to Seattle.
If you’re wondering what to do in Burien, you can explore Seahurst Park, which has gorgeous tidepools and scenic waterfront views. Burien’s bustling downtown area offers a stellar food scene with lots of restaurants, making it a great destination for foodies looking to expand and refine their palettes.
9. Edmonds
Average rent for a studio: $1,894
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,974
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,200
Distance from Seattle: 18 miles
Apartments for rent in Edmonds
Edmonds is home to about 42,700 people and is just a bit over 17 miles north of downtown Seattle. Located along Puget Sound, living in Edmonds means you’re never far from the water and the many activities that come with it. You can explore Edmonds Beach and Brackett’s Landing North, or simply enjoy stunning sunset views over Puget Sound.
The town is also known for its strong arts community, with plenty of art galleries and the Edmonds Center for the Arts, providing a variety of events for artsy folks to enjoy.
10. SeaTac
Average rent for a studio: $1,710
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,000
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,620
Distance from Seattle: 14 miles
Ranking 10th on our list of affordable Seattle suburbs for apartment hunters is SeaTac. This suburb has a population of 30,700 and is roughly 14 miles south of Seattle.
SeaTac is most well-known as home to the SeaTac International Airport, but there’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend. You can explore Angle Lake Park, which boasts a scenic lake stocked for fishing and ideal for boating, making it a great spot for nature lovers of all persuasions. The city also provides convenient access to the Light Rail, allowing making trips into downtown Seattle a breeze.
11. Bothell
Average rent for a studio: $1,877
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,039
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,662
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
Apartments for rent in Bothell
Bothell is the 11th suburb on our list. You’ll find Bothell about 20 miles northeast of Seattle. Commute times can vary depending on bus routes and traffic, but you’ll still save significantly on rent costs.
Bothell is home to beautiful Bothell Landing Park, a picturesque spot along the Sammamish River with walking trails, a historical museum and a tranquil setting for soaking up the Seattle sun. Beyond that, the McMenamins Anderson School, a historic schoolhouse turned into a unique entertainment complex, offers dining, bars, a movie theater and a pool, making it a great spot to start or end a night on the town.
12. Mercer Island
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,050
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,915
Distance from Seattle: 7 miles
Apartments for rent in Mercer Island
Taking the 12th and final spot on our list of renter-friendly, affordable Seattle suburbs is Mercer Island. Primarily known for its luxurious homes, its rental prices are surprisingly more budget-friendly than one might expect. On average, you’ll save about $100 a month renting a one-bedroom unit or about $1,000 for a two-bedroom unit. It’s also commuter-friendly, as Mercer Island is a mere 7 miles from Seattle’s city center.
The area is surrounded by the shimmering waters of Lake Washington, offering opportunities for boating, swimming and lakeside relaxation at Luther Burbank Park. The town is also known for its scenic parks and large green spaces, making it an ideal area for renters seeking a peaceful escape from city life without fully cutting the tether to urban conveniences and entertainment.
Remember, if you’re looking to hop over from renter to buyer, make sure to also check out the most affordable Seattle suburbs to buy a home.
Methodology
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one and two-bedroom rent was less than Seattle and under 30 miles from downtown Seattle. Average rental data from Seattle rental market trends on October 26, 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
