With stunning views, friendly locals, and so much to see and do, Seattle possesses such allure that attracts people far and wide. That said, living in a large city often come with expensive rental costs, usually an indicator of a high cost of living. But with a little bit of research, you can secure decent and affordable accommodation in and around the area.
We’ve compiled a handy guide on the cheapest places to live in Seattle to save you time and energy, since moving is already stressful enough!
South Park
South Park is great for those who don’t mind living outside of the city center and commuting to Seattle. This neighborhood, situated on the Duwamish River, is one of the most affordable places to live in Seattle. Apartments in this area average under $1,400 per month, but it’s possible to find one as cheap as $1,200 per month.
Greenwood
Located 15 minutes outside of downtown, Greenwood is one of the cheapest places to live in Seattle and has a wide range of apartments to match different tastes and needs. For example, the area boasts studio apartments with a monthly rental price as low as $900, one-bedroom apartments for $1,300, and two-bedroom apartments for as little as $1,400. Greenwood is also considered to be a great neighborhood for families.
Pinehurst
Sometimes the serenity and lush landscape you seek are not in the city center; they’re often in places outside the city zone. So, if you’re looking for a quiet and affordable place to live on the outskirts of Seattle, Pinehurst is your best bet. The average monthly rental price in this neighborhood is roughly $1,600, though you can find even cheaper accommodation. There are studio apartments for as low as $1,100 per month, one-bedroom apartments for $1,300 per month, and two-bedroom apartments for just under $2,000 per month.
Pinehurst is located in the Northgate area, west of Lake Washington.
Columbia City
This lively and diverse neighborhood, southeast of downtown Seattle, is a fantastic place to live. With over 60 languages spoken here and a varied food scene, Columbia City will immerse you in a strong global culture. Monthly rental prices are on the low side, too. The average monthly rent costs roughly $1,700 per month, but there are apartments a lot cheaper than this. You can find a studio for around $1,000, a one-bedroom apartment for $1,300, and a two-bedroom apartment for $1,500 — all per month.
Redmond
A little further afield is Redmond, a favorite of young professionals working in the city’s tech industry. This area’s popularity is thanks to its proximity to the likes of Nintendo, Microsoft, and Amazon. Despite Redmond’s convenient distance from these companies, its apartments are mostly affordable. Two-bedroom apartments in this area can go for as little as $1,500.
Bryant
Bryant, a quiet neighborhood in Northeast Seattle, is a great option for singles, young professionals, and families alike. The median monthly rental cost here is $1,600 for a studio or one-bedroom apartment and $1,885 for a two-bedroom apartment. Still, there are apartments that offer much better value for money.
Madrona
Madrona is located on the western bank of Lake Washington, treating you to a variety of seafood and breathtaking views of the freshwater lake. It’s just 10 to 25 minutes away from downtown Seattle by car and boasts a thriving business hub on 34th Street. The neighborhood is popular among families, as it has plenty of family activities taking place throughout the year. There is also a selection of family-friendly shops and restaurants here.
In addition, Madrona offers affordable accommodation for individuals, couples, and families. For a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $1,000 and $1,350 per month, respectively. The least monthly rental price for a two-bedroom apartment in the area is $1,500.
Magnolia
Magnolia is a charming and hilly neighborhood in central Seattle. It offers stunning views of Puget Sound in the west and the Seattle skyline in the east. Magnolia is one of the safest neighborhoods in the entire state of Washington. Despite its combination of safety and stunning real estate, you can still secure decent accommodation for modest fees. A one-bedroom apartment here goes for around $1,200 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment rents for as little as $1,500.
Wedgwood
Wedgwood offers a quiet and tranquil lifestyle that contrasts with the congestion and tempo of city life. Though far enough from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, this neighborhood is close enough to commute. Further, it is situated to the north of the Greater Seattle area, offering a convenient distance for exciting activities in the metropolis. More importantly, Wedgwood is affordable, with a median monthly rent of $1,500. A one-bedroom apartment here can be scored for as cheap as $1,300 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment goes for as low as $1,400.
Median income in Seattle
The median household income in Seattle is $93,481. With its bustling population of almost 745,000 and a median age of 35.2, plus a poverty rate of just 11.8%, the city is promising for young families and young professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods to live in Seattle also include Lake City and University District.
Rent prices are the most expensive in the Pike Place Market neighborhood. Here, rent prices for a 1-bedroom apartment average $3,030 per month.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle include Capitol Hill, Fremont, and South Lake Union. In these neighborhoods you’ll find many options for entertainment, nightlife, and dining. However, rent prices in these areas also tend to be higher.
According to the Seattle Housing Authority, to qualify for the Low Income Housing Program a household cannot have an income that exceeds 80% of the area’s median income.
This will depend largely on the current mortgage interest rates and the downpayment you can afford. While buying builds additional equity, renting offers more flexibility as interest rates rise throughout the nation.
So, what are you waiting for? There are so many options for cheap places to live in Seattle, Washington, that you can choose from. Not only does this one-of-a-kind city boast fantastic views, tons to see and do, and plenty of employment opportunities, but it’s also a fantastic place to live for those who are on a budget.
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