Rent in King County, WA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,501$30,012 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,549 (+1.9%)How much rent can you afford in King County, WA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in King County, WA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,074 | $24,888 | $82,960 | $39.88/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $2,146 | $25,752 | $85,840 | $41.27/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,501 | $30,012 | $100,040 | $48.10/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,272 | $39,264 | $130,880 | $62.92/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,847 | $46,164 | $153,880 | $73.98/hr |
Cost of living in King County, WA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in King County, WA
Rent in King County, WA: common questions
How much is rent going up in King County, WA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,549 for a two-bedroom, up 1.9% from $2,501. A one-bedroom goes from $2,146 to $2,180, a studio from $2,074 to $2,091.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in King County, WA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $2,146 for a one-bedroom and $2,501 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $30,012 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in King County, WA?
To keep a $2,501 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $48.10 an hour, or $100,040 a year. A one-bedroom at $2,146 takes $41.27 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in King County, WA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $2,074, one bedroom $2,146, two $2,501, three $3,272 and four $3,847 a month.
Is rent affordable in King County, WA?
For the typical household, earning $124,746 a year ($10,396 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,501 takes 24.1% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($2,501 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $100,040. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $48.10 an hour.