How much does it cost to rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $2,078. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Mountlake Terrace cheaper than other Washington cities?

Mountlake Terrace falls in the middle range for Washington, ranking #54 out of 110 cities at $2,078/mo.

When was Mountlake Terrace rent data last updated?

Mountlake Terrace rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · WA

Mountlake Terrace

Name: Average Rent Prices in Mountlake Terrace, WA
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 23,104·54th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for Mountlake Terrace, WA

Median rent (all units)

$2,078/mo

Year-over-Year

-0.6%

Month-over-Month

+0.9%

vs US Median

+$113

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Mountlake Terrace · $2,078

More expensive than 63% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

64/100

Good value

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Mountlake Terrace's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$2,078/mo

Expected by trend

$2,238/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Mountlake Terrace's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,600

1 BR

$1,638

2 BR

$1,909

3 BR

$2,517

4 BR+

$2,930

Research median

$1,909/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$24,936/yr

At $2,078/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 (-0.6% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Mountlake Terrace, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 43% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

23,104

Median income

$107,687

Median age

38.3

Renters

43.1%

Age distribution

17%

26.2%

27.8%

12.6%

16.5%

Under 1817%

18–3426.2%

35–5427.8%

55–6412.6%

65+16.5%

Gender

49.5%

50.5%

Male49.5%

Female50.5%

Race & ethnicity

61.6%

15.3%

White61.6%

Black4.2%

Hispanic15.3%

Asian11.5%

Other7.4%

Education (25+)

21.5%

29.9%

43%

No HS diploma5.7%

HS diploma21.5%

Some college29.9%

Bachelor's+43%

Housing tenure

56.9%

43.1%

Owner56.9%

Renter43.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Mountlake Terrace, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,668 → $2,078

up 24.6%

Income

$87,785 → $107,687

up 22.7%

Population

21,210 → 23,104

up 8.9%

Renter share

43.7% → 43.1%

-0.6 pts

Bachelor's+

38.6% → 43%

+4.4 pts

Median age

37.7 → 38.3

+0.6 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA has climbed from $1,668 to $2,078, a 24.6% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Mountlake Terrace, WA now reports about $107,687, up from $87,785 in 2021. The population has grown by 8.9% since 2021, moving from about 21,210 residents to roughly 23,104. College-educated residents now make up 43% of adults here, versus 38.6% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Mountlake Terrace, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Mountlake Terrace

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View Mountlake Terrace rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Mountlake Terrace on your salary?

At $2,078/mo, how Mountlake Terrace rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $105,818/yr · Rent = 23.6% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $75,130/yr · Rent = 33.2% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $86,542/yr · Rent = 28.8% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $154,683/yr · Rent = 16.1% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $197,646/yr · Rent = 12.6% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $70,347/yr · Rent = 35.4% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $63,515/yr · Rent = 39.3% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $78,288/yr · Rent = 31.9% income

stretched

By apartment size

Mountlake Terrace rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Mountlake Terrace

About renting in Mountlake Terrace, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Mountlake Terrace is $2,078/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,600/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,909/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,638/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,517/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($107,687/yr), Mountlake Terrace ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Mountlake Terrace an affordable city for renters?

Mountlake Terrace is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,078/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($107,687/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Mountlake Terrace falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Mountlake Terrace?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $83,000/year (~$40/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,078/mo in Mountlake Terrace. The local median household income is $107,687/yr, meaning the typical Mountlake Terrace household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Mountlake Terrace?

Rent in Mountlake Terrace has decreased 0.6% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Mountlake Terrace rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Mountlake Terrace is middle-of-the-pack for Washington for rent, ranking #54 out of 110 tracked cities at $2,078/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Mountlake Terrace?

Shoreline is nearby and more affordable at $2,042/mo, which is $36 less than Mountlake Terrace.

What percentage of Mountlake Terrace residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 43.1% of Mountlake Terrace households are renters, while 56.9% are owner-occupied. Mountlake Terrace leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Mountlake Terrace rent compare to the national average?

Mountlake Terrace's median rent of $2,078/mo is $113 (6%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #54 out of 110 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

23%

VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,078/mo, rent takes ~23% of Mountlake Terrace's median household income ($107,687/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Mountlake Terrace 23%Benchmark 30%

State income taxNone

Run the Mountlake Terrace affordability calculator →

Nearby cities