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City Report · WA

Auburn

Pop. 85,676·69th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for Auburn, WA
Median rent (all units)
$1,953/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.8%
Month-over-Month
+0.6%
vs US Median
-$12
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Auburn · $1,953
More expensive than 56% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
69/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 10% below what Auburn's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,953/mo
Expected by trend
$2,163/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Auburn's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,498
1 BR
$1,541
2 BR
$1,793
3 BR
$2,366
4 BR+
$2,758
Research median
$1,793/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$23,436/yr
At $1,953/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.8% YoY, +0.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Auburn, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
85,676
Median income
$97,884
Median age
36
Renters
39.4%
Age distribution
24.9%
23.4%
27.1%
12.2%
12.5%
Under 1824.9%
18–3423.4%
35–5427.1%
55–6412.2%
65+12.5%
Gender
50.8%
49.2%
Male50.8%
Female49.2%
Race & ethnicity
51.7%
20.8%
12.1%
White51.7%
Black6.7%
Hispanic20.8%
Asian12.1%
Other8.7%
Education (25+)
27.8%
34.9%
25.6%
No HS diploma11.6%
HS diploma27.8%
Some college34.9%
Bachelor's+25.6%
Housing tenure
60.6%
39.4%
Owner60.6%
Renter39.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Auburn, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,596 → $1,953
up 22.4%
Income
$79,415 → $97,884
up 23.3%
Population
85,306 → 85,676
up 0.4%
Renter share
40.8% → 39.4%
-1.4 pts
Bachelor's+
26.6% → 25.6%
-1.0 pts

Rent in Auburn, WA has climbed 22.4% since 2021, going from about $1,596 per month to roughly $1,953 today. Census figures show median household income at $97,884 today, compared with $79,415 five years earlier. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Auburn

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View Auburn rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Auburn on your salary?

At $1,953/mo, how Auburn rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Auburn rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Auburn. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Auburn

About renting in Auburn, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Auburn is $1,953/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,498/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,793/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,541/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,366/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($97,884/yr), Auburn ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Auburn an affordable city for renters?

Auburn is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,953/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($97,884/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Auburn falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Auburn?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $78,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,953/mo in Auburn. The local median household income is $97,884/yr, meaning the typical Auburn household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Auburn?

Rent in Auburn has decreased 2.8% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Auburn neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Auburn are 98002 ($1,808/mo), and 98001 ($2,267/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Auburn is $1,953/mo.

How does Auburn rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Auburn is middle-of-the-pack for Washington for rent, ranking #69 out of 110 tracked cities at $1,953/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Auburn?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Auburn ($1,953/mo): Pacific ($1,691/mo), Federal Way ($1,935/mo).

What percentage of Auburn residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.4% of Auburn households are renters, while 60.6% are owner-occupied. Auburn leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Auburn rent compare to the national average?

Auburn's median rent of $1,953/mo is $12 (1%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #69 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,953/mo, rent takes ~24% of Auburn's median household income ($97,884/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Auburn 24%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Auburn
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Auburn, WA

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