Seattle is the largest city in Washington. In 2016, the city ranked as the fastest-growing major city in America with an annual growth rate of 3.1%. Because of its fast growth, it continues to attract many foreign investors and is slowly becoming the next tech hub in the United States.
Are the housing costs in The Emerald City way over your budget but you still want to enjoy the city’s amenities? Our article discusses the cheapest places to live near Seattle. These affordable alternative cities offer excellent yet budget-friendly accommodation.
1. Tacoma
Located southwest of and about an hour from Seattle, Tacoma is in Pierce County, Washington. The mid-sized urban port city has an estimated population of 191,704, and it serves as the center of business activity for the South Sound region.
Compared to Seattle, Tacoma is less congested, cheaper to live in, and offers incredible amenities. The median income here is $33,235 and the average rent per month is $1,773. Renters pay on average about $1,325 for a studio apartment, $1,415 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,678 for a two-bedroom apartment, $2,200 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $2,673 for a four-bedroom apartment. The cheapest rent you can expect to pay for a studio apartment in Tacoma is $421.
2. Auburn
Auburn is a city in King County, Washington, slightly south of Seattle and northeast of Tacoma. It’s a suburb in the Seattle Metro Area with an estimated population of 70,180 and a total area of 29.89 square miles.
The median income in Auburn is $36,31 and the average rent per month is $1,860. Renters pay on average about $1,244 for a studio apartment, $1,307 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,542 for a two-bedroom apartment, $1,836 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $2,676 for a four-bedroom home or apartment.
The cheapest rent you can pay for a studio apartment in Auburn is $879. Some renters also pay as low as $627 for a one-bedroom apartment, $806 for a two-bedroom apartment, $1,059 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $1,156 for a unit with four bedrooms or more.
3. Everett
Everett is the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington. It is located 25 miles north of Seattle and is one of the main cities in the Puget Sound and the Seattle Metropolitan Areas. Everett is the seventh-largest city in Washington by population, with an estimated 103,019 residents.
Although it’s only a 30-minute drive from Seattle, Everett is a lot cheaper than Seattle. The median income in Everett is $32,120 and the average rent per month is $1,861.
Renters pay on average about $1,306 for a studio apartment, $1,448 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,772 for a two-bedroom apartment, $2,550 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $3,016 for a four-bedroom apartment. The cheapest rent you can pay on average for an apartment in Everett is $900. Renters pay at least $525 for a one-bedroom apartment, $991 for a two-bedroom apartment, $1,324 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $1,832 for a house with four bedrooms or more.
4. Olympia
If you’re looking for a big city ambiance on the cheap, Olympia is for you. It’s located in Thurston County, 60 miles southwest of and only an hour from Seattle. The city has an estimated 51,534 residents, making it the 24th largest city in the state.
Although it’s the state’s capital, Olympia still ranks as one of the least expensive cities in Washington and is 38.4% cheaper to live in than Seattle. The median income in Olympia is $32,875 and the average rent per month is $1,581.
Renters pay on average about $897 for a studio apartment, $927 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,140 for a two-bedroom apartment, $1,647 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $2,003 for a four-bedroom apartment. The cheapest rent you can pay for a studio apartment in Olympia is $685. Renters pay at least $585 for a one-bedroom apartment, $665 for a two-bedroom apartment, $750 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $2,195 for a house with four bedrooms or more.
5. Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a city in Pierce County, Washington, with an estimated population of 9,854 residents. Its shores were once home to the largest fishing fleet in the Pacific Northwest, and boatbuilding and fishing have been the city’s source of livelihood for many years.
Although Gig Harbor is under an hour away from Seattle, it’s more affordable to live in than The Emerald City. The median income here is $42,065 and the average rent per month is $2,056.
Renters pay on average about $907 for a studio apartment, $1,020 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,332 for a two-bedroom apartment, $1,927 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $2,336 for a four-bedroom apartment. The cheapest rent you can pay for an apartment in Gig Harbor is $775. Renters pay at least $664 for a one-bedroom apartment, $748 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $1,350 for a three-bedroom apartment.
6. Bothell
Bothell is a city that lies in both King and Snohomish counties, Washington. It is part of the Seattle Metropolitan Area and has an estimated population of 47,415 residents.
The city is only 25 minutes from Seattle and is more affordable to live in. The median income here is $46,400 and the average rent per month is $2,667. Renters pay on average about $1,601 for a one-bedroom apartment, $2,235 for a two-bedroom apartment, $3,215 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $3,800 for a four-bedroom apartment.
The cheapest rent you can pay for a studio apartment in Bothell is $915. Renters pay at least $753 for a one-bedroom apartment, $905 for a two-bedroom apartment, $1,439 for a three-bedroom apartment, and $1,813 for a house with four bedrooms or more.
Looking to Rent a House Near Seattle?
Are you thinking of renting a house in any of the above cities? Search thousands of Seattle area apartments and homes for rent on Zumper and find the perfect one for you.
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