Seattle, WA vs. Renton, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Seattle and Renton, WA in 2025? This cost of living face-off compares housing, utilities, groceries, taxes, and more to determine which city wins on affordability. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a home, or renting an apartment, get the facts to see which city fits your lifestyle and budget.
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1. Housing Costs: Seattle vs Renton
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Seattle vs Renton:
| Housing Type | Seattle | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,800/month | $2,400/month |
| 3BR Home Price | $950,000 | $750,000 |
π Winner: Renton. Housing costs 10-20% less in Renton compared to Seattle proper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect the following utility bills in Seattle vs Renton:
- Seattle: $180-$250/month
- Renton: $150-$220/month
Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. Renton residents save about 10% on utilities on average.
π Winner: Renton, but utility costs are fairly close between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Expect to spend about 5% less on groceries, dining out, and everyday goods in Renton compared to Seattle. A gallon of milk averages $4.20 in Seattle vs $4 in Renton, for example.
π Winner: Renton, with modest savings on daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are similar between Seattle (0.92%) and Renton (1.06%). However, lower home values in Renton mean most homeowners pay less in actual taxes. HOA fees are also about 10% lower in Renton.
π Winner: Renton has a slight edge on taxes and fees for homeowners.
5. Cost of Living Summary: Seattle vs Renton
| Category | Seattle | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $475 |
| Transportation | $130 | $120 |
| Taxes | $600 | $550 |
| Misc | $350 | $325 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,600 | $4,070 |
Figures above are estimates based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a typical household. See sample monthly budgets for Seattle in 2025 for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit: Seattle vs Renton
While Renton offers savings, Seattle provides better walkability, transit, and big city amenities. Renton has more space and a slower pace. Seattle averages 5Β°F cooler in summer than Renton.
Ultimately, Renton suits budget-conscious families and professionals open to a suburban feel. Seattle is ideal for urbanites willing to pay a premium for city living. See a full cost of living breakdown for Seattle to dive deeper.
Seattle vs Renton Cost of Living FAQ
Is Seattle more affordable than Renton?
No, Renton has a lower overall cost of living than Seattle, with savings on housing, utilities, and daily expenses.
Which city has lower rent?
Renton has lower average rent prices, with a typical 2BR apartment costing about $400 less per month than in Seattle.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Renton has lower median home prices, with a 3BR house costing around $750,000 compared to $950,000 in Seattle.
The Bottom Line: Seattle vs Renton Cost of Living
In the Seattle vs Renton cost of living face-off, Renton comes out ahead for affordability. Families, remote workers, and budget-conscious renters will find significant savings in Renton. However, Seattle still appeals to those prioritizing city amenities and walkability.
Considering other cities in Washington? Check out our cost of living comparisons for Tacoma, Bellevue, Spokane and more.