Most Affordable Cities
Near Seattle
Stretch your budget further with these wallet-friendly alternatives to Seattle. Compare housing costs, rent prices, and discover where your money goes the farthest.
Avg Annual Savings
vs Seattle
Lower Housing
Costs
Affordable Cities
Ranked
Avg Commute
to Seattle
Why These Cities Offer Better Value
Understanding the factors that make living outside Seattle more affordable while maintaining quality of life.
Lower Housing Costs
Home prices 30-50% lower than Seattle, with more space for your money
Reduced Rent
Monthly rent savings of $500-$1,200 compared to Seattle apartments
Lower Daily Costs
Groceries, dining, and services cost 10-20% less outside Seattle
More Parking
Free parking at home and work, saving $200-$400/month vs Seattle
Cost of Living Comparisons
Visual comparison of housing costs, rent, and overall affordability across Seattle area cities
Median Home Price
In thousands (lower is better for affordability)
Average Monthly Rent (2BR)
Monthly rent in dollars
Overall Affordability Score
Composite affordability rating out of 100 (higher is more affordable)
Top 7 Most Affordable Cities Near Seattle
Ranked by overall value considering housing costs, amenities, and quality of life
Tacoma
Pierce County | Population: 220,000
Tacoma is the best value city near Seattle, offering urban amenities at dramatically lower costs. The city has undergone a remarkable revitalization with new restaurants, breweries, and a thriving arts scene. Access to Sounder train makes Seattle commuting feasible.
Median Home
$450K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,650
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
35-50 min
I-5 or Sounder
Monthly Savings
$1,200+
vs Seattle
Best Value Neighborhoods
Stadium District and Proctor for walkability, North End for families, 6th Ave for nightlife access. Hilltop is rapidly gentrifying with great value.
Kent
King County | Population: 136,000
Kent offers excellent affordability while remaining in King County with access to Seattle jobs. Known for its diverse community, excellent ethnic food scene, and proximity to major employers like Boeing and Amazon warehouses.
Median Home
$520K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,750
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
25-40 min
I-5 or 167
Monthly Savings
$900+
vs Seattle
Auburn
King County | Population: 87,000
Auburn offers Green River Valley living with mountain views and small-town feel. The Muckleshoot Casino brings entertainment, while the historic downtown provides charm. Sounder train provides car-free commute options to Seattle.
Median Home
$490K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,680
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
30-45 min
167 or Sounder
Monthly Savings
$1,000+
vs Seattle
Federal Way
King County | Population: 101,000
Federal Way is perfect for families seeking affordability with good schools and parks. The Commons mall provides shopping, while Wild Waves theme park adds entertainment. Located between Seattle and Tacoma with easy access to both.
Median Home
$530K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,720
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
25-40 min
I-5 direct
Monthly Savings
$850+
vs Seattle
Marysville
Snohomish County | Population: 70,000
Marysville delivers small-town charm with big savings. Growing rapidly with new developments, excellent schools, and the Tulalip Casino nearby. Further from Seattle but offers exceptional value for those working remotely or in Everett.
Median Home
$550K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,680
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
45-60 min
I-5 to Seattle
Monthly Savings
$950+
vs Seattle
Everett
Snohomish County | Population: 112,000
Everett is rapidly improving and still affordable. Home to Boeing's massive assembly plant, it offers waterfront living at a fraction of Seattle prices. Downtown is revitalizing with new restaurants and the Angel of the Winds Arena.
Median Home
$560K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,780
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
30-45 min
I-5 or Sounder
Monthly Savings
$800+
vs Seattle
Renton
King County | Population: 106,000
Renton offers reasonable prices with excellent Seattle access. Home to Boeing's Renton plant and IKEA, it's become increasingly diverse with great international dining. The Landing shopping center provides retail amenities.
Median Home
$620K
vs $850K Seattle
Avg Rent (2BR)
$1,850
vs $2,400 Seattle
Commute
15-30 min
I-405/167
Monthly Savings
$650+
vs Seattle
What You Get For Your Money
See how far your housing budget stretches in each city
| City | $500K Budget | $600K Budget | $750K Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 1BR Condo, 600 sq ft | 2BR Condo, 850 sq ft | 2BR House, 1,200 sq ft |
| Tacoma | 3BR House, 1,600 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,000 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,500+ sq ft, views |
| Kent | 3BR House, 1,400 sq ft | 4BR House, 1,800 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,200 sq ft, newer |
| Auburn | 3BR House, 1,500 sq ft | 4BR House, 1,900 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,400 sq ft, land |
| Federal Way | 3BR House, 1,400 sq ft | 4BR House, 1,800 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,300 sq ft |
| Marysville | 3BR House, 1,500 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,000 sq ft | 5BR House, 2,600 sq ft, newer |
| Everett | 3BR House, 1,400 sq ft | 4BR House, 1,900 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,400 sq ft |
| Renton | 2BR Townhome, 1,200 sq ft | 3BR House, 1,600 sq ft | 4BR House, 2,000 sq ft |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Factor these expenses into your affordability calculations
Commute Costs
Gas, tolls, and vehicle wear add $200-$500/month for longer commutes
Car Dependency
Less transit means needing 2 cars vs 1 in Seattle
Time Cost
1-2 hours daily commute = 250-500 hours/year of your life
Utility Costs
Older homes in affordable areas may have higher heating/cooling costs
Insurance Rates
Car insurance can be higher in some areas due to crime or traffic
Fewer Walkable Options
May drive more for entertainment, dining, requiring more spending
Commute Cost Considerations
Factor in these commute costs when comparing cities
Monthly Commute Cost by City (to Seattle)
Transit Options
Tacoma, Auburn, Kent, and Everett have Sounder train access to Seattle. Monthly pass: ~$200
Remote Work Advantage
If you work remotely, commute costs become irrelevant, making distant cities like Marysville more attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about affordable living near Seattle
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