Searching for a Rental in Seattle? Here’s What You Should Know
If you’re starting your rental journey in Seattle, you’ve likely noticed—there’s no shortage of choices. From sleek downtown apartments and cozy suburban homes to condos, townhouses, and even mobile homes, Seattle offers a wide range of housing options to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Feeling torn between renting a house or an apartment? You’re not alone. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. To help you make the right decision, we’ve broken down the key pros and cons of renting a home versus an apartment in Seattle. Check out our insights below before signing your next lease! (also, see our blog post on pros and cons of Rent to Own Programs for more detailed info >)
Renting An Apartment vs Renting A House in Seattle
Renting A Seattle Apartment –
There are lots of great apartments in Seattle.
You’ve probably found new apartment complexes with all kinds of amenities like a swimming pool, gym, rec area, and all kinds of other perks.
And you’ve probably come across some bare-bones apartments that just gave you 4 walls and not much else.
So here are some Pros for renting local apartments:
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More Affordable Monthly Rent
In many cases, apartments are more budget-friendly than single-family homes. If you’re looking to save on housing costs, an apartment might be the smarter choice. -
Utilities May Be Included
Some apartment rentals bundle basic services—like water, garbage collection, or even heat—into the monthly rent, simplifying your bills. -
Hassle-Free Maintenance
Repairs and upkeep are typically handled by on-site management or a dedicated maintenance team. That means no mowing lawns or fixing leaky faucets yourself. -
Greater Availability
In busy rental markets like Seattle, there are often more apartment units available than rental houses, giving you more options and flexibility. -
Built-In Amenities
Apartment complexes often come with perks like fitness centers, swimming pools, lounges, or game rooms—features you may not get with a rental house. -
Shared Wi-Fi (Unofficial Perk!)
Depending on the building and your proximity to neighbors, you might even catch a free Wi-Fi signal—though we always recommend having your own secure connection!
Here are some Cons of renting local apartments:
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Less Privacy
Apartment living means shared walls—and sometimes ceilings and floors. That can translate to noise from neighbors and less personal space overall. -
Moving Challenges
If your unit is on an upper floor, moving in and out can be a workout. Navigating tight staircases or elevators with heavy furniture isn’t fun for anyone. -
Parking Headaches
Shared parking lots can be a gamble. Limited spaces, crowded conditions, and the occasional door ding are common realities in larger complexes. -
Lack of Private Outdoor Space
Most apartments don’t come with a private yard. If there is any outdoor area, it’s usually minimal and shared with other residents.
So what about renting a house in Seattle?
Here are some Pros for renting local houses:
- You usually get more space than an apartment (and more privacy)
- You don’t share walls with your neighbors
- You get the feeling of living in a home rather than a temporary apartment
- Usually, the neighborhoods are full of other houses and feel more like a real neighborhood… rather than a complex of apartments
- Often times many utilities are paid for
Here are some Cons for renting local houses:
- Sometimes you’re expected to do some more of the minor maintenance yourself (not always though)
- Inventory of great rental houses that you want to live in can be limited
- You may have a higher deposit with a house over an apartment
- Rent is usually higher for a house of similar square footage vs. an apartment (because you’re paying for the other benefits of having a house mentioned above)
So, What Kind of Seattle Houses Should You Start to Look At
So, Which is Better—A House or an Apartment in Seattle?
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right rental really depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
If you value extra space, privacy, and a yard to call your own, then renting a house might be your ideal fit. On the other hand, if you’re after affordability, convenience, and access to built-in amenities like pools or gyms, apartment living could be the smarter choice.
Take some time to weigh what matters most to you—and explore both options in Seattle to find the perfect place to call home.
Or, the 3rd option for you is a local Seattle rent to own home program.
Not sure what a “rent to own” home is?
Check out this page on our website that walks you through what a rent to own home (lease option) home is.
If you’re interested in seeing the local Seattle rent to own homes that are available click the link below to get on the list and see available homes.
Or call us at (253)289-7220 anytime to ask us questions and see if our Seattle Rent To Own Program is right for you!