Renting in Seattle has become significantly more expensive, with households now needing nearly $91,000 annually to afford typical monthly rent, according to Zillow data compiled by Axios. This represents a 23% increase over the past five years.
Zillow calculates affordability using the guideline that rent should not exceed 30% of a household’s income. In April 2025, the average rent in the Seattle metro area was $2,271 per month.
This translates to an annual income requirement of $90,840, ranking Seattle 11th among major U.S. metro areas for rent affordability.
Seattle’s relatively high median household income of $110,744 in 2023 helps many families manage rent costs. However, single earners face more challenges, as the city’s per capita income of $82,508 falls below the affordability threshold.
Nationally, the typical rent in April was $2,024 per month, requiring an annual income of about $80,949—roughly $10,000 less than in Seattle.
“Housing costs have surged since pre-pandemic, with rents growing faster than wages,” said Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow. “This leaves little room for other expenses and makes it harder for individuals to save for a future home.”
The data highlights the growing gap between wages and housing costs, even in regions with high incomes like Seattle.
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