Renters in Seattle are experiencing a gradual increase in rental costs, with the city’s median rent climbing to $2,026, as reported in Apartment List’s March 2025 Rent Report. This represents a 0.9% rise from the previous month and a 1.9% increase compared to last year, surpassing the Washington state average of 1.7% and contrasting with the national trend, where rents have decreased by 0.4% over the past year.
Seattle’s rental rates remain among the highest in the United States, ranking 16th among the 100 largest cities. The current median rent is now 47.4% higher than the national average of $1,375, aligning it with prices in cities such as Los Angeles and Oakland.
So far in 2025, the pace of rent increases in Seattle mirrors that of the previous year. From January to February, rental prices rose by 0.9%, consistent with early 2024 trends. Although this growth is not as sharp as the 23.3% spike witnessed in 2021, it still indicates a steady upward trend.
In February, Seattle ranked 18th nationwide for month-over-month rent increases, with its 0.9% growth matching that of Memphis and slightly exceeding New York City’s 0.8% rise.
When comparing rental prices within the greater Seattle metro area, rents in the city itself are notably higher. The metro-wide median rent is $1,962, making Seattle’s median of $2,026 approximately 3.3% more expensive than the regional average.
Among cities in the metro area, Sammamish holds the title for the highest rental costs, with a median rent of $2,950, while Lakewood remains the most affordable at $1,370. Mountlake Terrace is experiencing the most significant annual rent growth in the region, with prices increasing by 6.6%, while Lakewood has seen the largest decline, with rents decreasing by 1.9%.
With consistent growth observed as we move further into 2025, Seattle renters may encounter rising housing costs in the upcoming months. Although rent increases have slowed compared to previous years, the city’s prices continue to be elevated compared to both the surrounding metro area and national averages.
