Renters wanting to stay in the greater metro area but avoid paying Seattle’s median rent of $1,950 should look at apartments in Des Moines (median rent $1,425), Lake Forest Park ($1,395), and Bremerton ($1,800). With the Seattle metro area’s rental market continuing to challenge budgets, living in a city near Seattle can be more beneficial for saving moneyup to 45% annually—while maintaining reasonable access to the region’s employment centers and urban amenities.
Whether you’re priced out of Seattle because it’s become too expensive, seeking more space for your money, or simply preferring a different pace of life, the Puget Sound region offers numerous alternatives. This guide explores affordable cities near Seattle where you can save hundreds each month while still enjoying proximity to the region’s opportunities and character.
Why consider living near Seattle?
The Seattle metropolitan area has grown dramatically, and with that growth comes housing costs that push many renters to explore alternatives. A few of those reasons include:
- Affordability and savings. Cities surrounding Seattle offer median rents $200-900 lower monthly than Seattle rent, translating to annual savings of $2,400-$10,800.
- More space for the money becomes possible in suburban cities. The same budget that secures a studio in Seattle often rents a one-bedroom or even two-bedroom apartment in nearby communities.
- The pace of life, which can be dramatically different in cities outside of Seattle. Many renters appreciate quieter residential neighborhoods, easier parking, shorter lines at local businesses, and stronger community atmospheres.
- Family-friendly amenities, including better-rated schools, parks, and recreational facilities, attract renters with children or those planning families.
The major trade-off to consider is commute time, which is likely to increase by about 20-45 minutes each way depending on your destination and transportation method. And transit access can vary: where some cities offer robust connections, others require car ownership. Also different are the cultural amenities, nightlife options, and dining variety, which tend to decrease outside Seattle proper.
The Puget Sound region spans over 6,000 square miles with approximately 4 million residents. Seattle proper houses roughly 750,000 people, meaning the majority of metro residents already live in surrounding cities. This established suburban infrastructure means solid services, amenities, and community resources exist throughout the region.
Affordable cities near Seattle at a glance
These nearby Washington cities offer the deepest savings compared to Seattle’s $1,950 median rent.
All median rents reflect data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, apartments) over 30 days to provide the most accurate pricing.
| City | Median Rent | Savings vs Seattle | Commute | Best For |
| Lake Forest Park | $1,395 | $1,395 | 13 miles north | Budget seekers near nature |
| Des Moines | $1,425 | $1,365 | 12 miles south | Airport workers, families |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | $1,450 | $1,340 | 7 miles south | Short commuters on budgets |
| Kenmore | $1,499 | $1,291 | 14 miles north | Lake Washington access |
| Burien | $1,662.50 | $1,127.50 | 6 miles south | Diverse, walkable community |
| Shoreline | $1,750 | $1,040 | 13 miles north | Families wanting city access |
| SeaTac | $1,749.50 | $1,040.50 | 9 miles south | Aviation industry workers |
| Bremerton | $1,800 | $990 | 14 miles west | Ferry commuters, military |
We regularly calculate rent data on a rolling basis, for the most-up-to-date market trends, read our thorough rent research report on Seattle.
Affordable cities near Seattle
1. Lake Forest Park
With its median rent sitting at $1,395, Lake Forest Park has the greatest savings compared to Seattle. This small city of 13,356 residents sits along Lake Washington’s northern shore, giving residents access to plenty of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
It’s just 13 miles north of downtown Seattle, and the median household income is around $158,868 annually, so residents here are a bit more affluent on average, though rental options exist for budget-conscious renters. The city’s compact size means limited commercial development but easy access to nearby Bothell and Seattle for shopping and services.
2. Des Moines
Des Moines offers a median rent of $1,425—39% below Seattle, in a waterfront community of 32,545 residents. This city combines marina access, beach parks, and a revitalized downtown with practical proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making it ideal for aviation industry workers.
Located 12 miles south of Seattle, Des Moines provides reasonable commute times for South King County employment. The city’s median household income of $89,787 reflects middle-class affordability. Des Moines Marina Park and saltwater beaches create unique recreational opportunities rare in the region.
Best for: Airport workers; families seeking waterfront access; renters wanting small-town character near Seattle.
3. Bryn Mawr-Skyway
Bryn Mawr-Skyway‘s $1,450 median rent sits 37% below Seattle’s median, offering significant savings just 7 miles south of downtown. This unincorporated community of 17,577 residents offers affordable housing with relatively short commutes, making it among the closest budget options to Seattle proper.
The area’s median household income of $90,258 indicates affordability for working- and middle-class households. While walkability and transit scores remain modest, the proximity to Seattle means shorter drives and easier access to the city’s employment centers and amenities.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters prioritizing short commutes over neighborhood amenities.
4. Kenmore
Kenmore offers a median rent of $1,499—35% below Seattle’s median rent— in a lakefront community of 23,594 residents. Positioned at Lake Washington’s northern tip near the Burke-Gilman Trail, Kenmore attracts outdoor enthusiasts and families. The city’s median household income of $137,926 reflects an affluent community with some affordable rental options.
Located 14 miles north of Seattle, Kenmore provides reasonable access to both Seattle and Eastside employment. The city offers convenient shopping and services while maintaining a small-town feel. Lake Washington waterfront access and extensive trails create recreational appeal.
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts; families seeking lakefront access; renters wanting community character.
5. Burien
Burien‘s $1,662.50 median rent falls 30% below Seattle’s median while offering the region’s best combination of affordability and walkability among budget options. This diverse city of 51,331 residents features a revitalized downtown, international restaurants, and a strong community identity.
Located just 6 miles south of Seattle, Burien provides one of the shortest commutes. The median household income of $90,597 reflects middle-class accessibility. The city’s cultural diversity creates unique dining and shopping experiences uncommon in suburban Seattle.
Best for: Renters seeking diversity, walkable neighborhoods, and short Seattle commutes on a budget.
6. Shoreline
Directly north of Seattle, Shoreline offers a median rent of $1,750—28% below Seattle’s—in a well-established city of 59,280 residents. The city combines residential neighborhoods with commercial corridors and excellent schools, making it particularly popular with families.
Located 13 miles from downtown Seattle, Shoreline provides straightforward access via Interstate 5. The median household income of $113,336 indicates an upper-middle-class character. The city features Shoreline Community College, numerous parks, and the Aurora Avenue business corridor.
Best for: Families seeking good schools; renters wanting easy Seattle access; those desiring established neighborhoods.
7. SeaTac
SeaTac‘s median rent of $1,749.50 is 28% below Seattle proper, offering budget-friendly housing for the 31,143 residents living adjacent to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The city’s economy centers on aviation, hospitality, and related industries.
Located 9 miles south of Seattle, SeaTac provides practical access for airport workers and easy freeway connections. The median household income of $76,517 reflects working-class affordability. Future light rail expansion will enhance transit connections.
Best for: Airport and hospitality workers; budget renters accepting airport noise; those prioritizing transit access.
8. Bremerton
Bremerton offers a median rent of $1,800—25% below Seattle’s median rent—and is across Puget Sound in Kitsap County. This city of 44,531 residents combines military heritage, waterfront character, and ferry access to Seattle. The median household income of $74,399 indicates affordable working-class housing.
Bremerton, 14 miles west across the water from Seattle, requires a ferry commute that takes about an hour. One perk to the longer commute time is how scenic the ferry ride can be. Downtown Bremerton is also full of local charm, with a revitalized downtown, naval history attractions, and outdoor recreation.
Best for: Ferry commuters, military personnel, and renters seeking waterfront character and adventure.
Frequently asked questions about cities near Seattle
What is the cheapest city near Seattle?
Lake Forest Park is currently the cheapest city near Seattle. It has a median rent of $1,395, which is 45% below Seattle’s median and $1,395 cheaper than Seattle proper. To get a better sense of what you can afford in or around Seattle, use Zumper’s rent calculator, which can help you determine a personalized rental budget.
Which cities near Seattle have the best public transit?
Cities along Sound Transit corridors—including Shoreline, SeaTac (future expansion), and those near existing light rail stations—offer the best transit access. Bremerton provides ferry service directly to downtown Seattle.
How much can I save living near Seattle instead of in it?
You could save anywhere from $200 to $1,400 monthly, depending on which city near Seattle you rent in. This equates to annual savings of $2,400 to $16,800. Lake Forest Park, Des Moines, and Bryn Mawr-Skyway offer the deepest savings.
What cities near Seattle are best for families?
The best cities near Seattle for families include Shoreline, Des Moines, and Kenmore. These locations have strong school districts, family amenities, and community atmosphere while maintaining reasonable Seattle access for working parents.
Can I live near Seattle without a car?
Among the most affordable options, SeaTac and Burien offer the best transit/walkability combination. However, while these towns have some wakability, having a car in cities outside of Seattle can make grocery shopping, errands, and activities outside transit corridors much more convenient.
What’s the typical commute time from cities near Seattle?
The typical commute time can range from 25 to 60 minutes, depending on the where you’re coming from, where you’re going, the time of day, and whether you’re driving or commuting via transit. Bryn Mawr-Skyway and Burien offer the shortest drives, while Bremerton requires ferry commuting.
Are there affordable cities near Seattle with good walkability?
Burien offers the best combination of affordability (30% below Seattle) and walkability (6/10 score) among budget-friendly options near Seattle.
Which city near Seattle offers the best value?
“Best value” depends on priorities. Lake Forest Park and Des Moines offer maximum savings. Burien balances affordability with walkability and diversity. Shoreline provides family amenities and easy access.
Rental prices fluctuate based on market conditions, specific unit features, and seasonal demand. For current rental listings, explore apartments near Seattle.
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