Rent vs Buy Calculator — Seattle, WA
Prefilled with Seattle estimates: a ~$850,000 home (about $170,000 for 20% down) versus ~$2,400/mo rent. Washington's effective property tax of 0.87% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $7,395/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $1,500/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Seattle?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Washington's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 0.87% on a $850,000 home that's about $7,395 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Seattle, WA different
- Median home price estimate: $850,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $2,400
- Washington effective property tax: 0.87% (~$7,395/yr here)
- Washington avg. homeowners insurance: $1,500/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.