Rent vs Buy in Washington
Compare 18 cities across Washington. Find out whether renting or buying makes more financial sense in your area.
18cities analyzed
Avg Home:$569,167
Avg Rent:$2,225/mo
Avg Price/Rent:21.5
Washington Housing Market Summary
18
Cities Analyzed
0
Favor Buying
7
Favor Renting
11
Toss-Up
Across Washington's 18 analyzed cities, the results are mixed with no clear winner statewide. Your decision depends heavily on which city you're considering.
The average home price in Washington is $569,167, with average rents at $2,225/month. This gives an average price-to-rent ratio of 21.5.
$Most Affordable Cities
$$Most Expensive Cities
All Washington Cities
Sorted by population. Click any city for detailed analysis.
| City | Median Price | Median Rent | Price/Rent | Break-even | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $710,000 | $2,250 | 26.3 | 13 yrs | Rent |
| Spokane | $605,000 | $2,300 | 21.9 | 9 yrs | Toss-up |
| Tacoma | $640,000 | $2,300 | 23.2 | 9 yrs | Rent |
| Vancouver | $515,000 | $2,100 | 20.4 | 6 yrs | Toss-up |
| Bellevue | $515,000 | $2,450 | 17.5 | 9 yrs | Toss-up |
| Kent | $635,000 | $2,200 | 24.1 | 15 yrs | Rent |
| Everett | $565,000 | $2,400 | 19.6 | 6 yrs | Toss-up |
| Renton | $515,000 | $2,300 | 18.7 | 8 yrs | Toss-up |
| Federal Way | $530,000 | $2,250 | 19.6 | 6 yrs | Toss-up |
| Yakima | $605,000 | $2,000 | 25.2 | 16 yrs | Rent |
| Kirkland | $560,000 | $2,200 | 21.2 | 7 yrs | Toss-up |
| Bellingham | $505,000 | $1,950 | 21.6 | 6 yrs | Toss-up |
| Auburn | $530,000 | $2,400 | 18.4 | 9 yrs | Toss-up |
| Kennewick | $515,000 | $2,500 | 17.2 | 8 yrs | Toss-up |
| Pasco | $530,000 | $2,350 | 18.8 | 7 yrs | Toss-up |
| Marysville | $595,000 | $2,100 | 23.6 | 10 yrs | Rent |
| Lakewood | $575,000 | $2,050 | 23.4 | 12 yrs | Rent |
| Olympia | $600,000 | $1,950 | 25.6 | 14 yrs | Rent |
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These are general analyses based on median values. Use our comprehensive Buy vs Rent calculator to input your specific income, savings, and financial goals.
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