Average Rent in Seattle, WA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle, WA is $2,248/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 72 ZIP codes. Rents have changed 0.0% year over year. Rents range from $1,850 to $3,220.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,248/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 72 zip codes
Year-over-Year
→ 0.0%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle, WA is $2,248/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 72 ZIP codes. Rents have decreased 0.0% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle is 88% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Seattle, WA ranges from $1,850 to $3,220 across 72 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Seattle, WA is approximately 0.0% for 2026. An increase above 0.0% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Seattle, WA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle, WA is $2,248/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 72 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,850 to $3,220 depending on neighborhood — a $1,370/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $89,920/year.
Is rent going up in Seattle?
Rents in Seattle have increased 0.0% year over year based on local market data. Declining rents may give renters leverage when negotiating renewals.
What is a fair rent increase in Seattle?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 0.0% is in line with the Seattle market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Seattle
0.0%
Rents in Seattle are holding steady at 0.0% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from -5.5% to +2.1%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+2.1%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-0.1%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Seattle right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Seattle?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Seattle typically rents for $2,169 – $2,343.
Rents above $2,694 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Seattle typically rents for $2,248 – $2,428.
Rents above $2,792 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Seattle typically rents for $2,619 – $2,829.
Rents above $3,253 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Seattle typically rents for $3,429 – $3,703.
Rents above $4,258 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Seattle typically rents for $4,028 – $4,350.
Rents above $5,003 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Seattle
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$2,169
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,248
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$2,619
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$3,429
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$4,028
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Seattle
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
Showing top 20 of 72 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Seattle Compare?
Questions about rent in Seattle
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle, WA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Seattle, WA is $2,248/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 72 ZIP codes in the city. This is 88% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,850 to $3,220 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Seattle?
A rent increase up to about 0.0% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Seattle. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,248/month.
Are rents going up or down in Seattle?
Rents in Seattle have decreased 0.0% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 72 ZIP codes in the Seattle-Bellevue, WA HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Seattle?
1-bedroom rents across Seattle range from $1,850 to $3,220 on this page, a $1,370/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Seattle?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Seattle. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Seattle?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle at $2,248/month, a household would need approximately $89,920/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
Renting in Seattle, WA? Your rent could be building your credit.
Report your monthly rent payments to all 3 credit bureaus — the same ones your next landlord will check. Takes 2 minutes to set up.
RenewalReply may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Renters insurance from $5/mo
Protect your belongings from theft, fire, and water damage. Takes 2 minutes and most landlords require it.
RenewalReply may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Renter Tools
Browse Seattle ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Washington →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Washington.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →