All CitiesWashington

Rent vs Buy in Seattle, WA

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Seattle. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$825,000

Median Rent/Month

$2,800

Property Tax Rate

0.93%/yr

Avg Appreciation

4.8%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$825,000
20% ($165,000)
$2,800
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Seattle, WA?

The decision to rent or buy in Seattle, Washington depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $825,000 and median monthly rent of $2,800, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Seattle has an average property tax rate of 0.93% annually, which adds approximately $639/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Seattle have appreciated at roughly 4.8% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Seattle Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $165,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $4,387/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $639/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $688/mo