How much does it cost to rent in University Place, WA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in University Place, WA is $1,904. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is University Place cheaper than other Washington cities?

University Place is among the more affordable cities in Washington, ranking #78 out of 110 cities at $1,904/mo.

When was University Place rent data last updated?

University Place 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

University Place

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

Pop. 34,911·78th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for University Place, WA

Median rent (all units)

$1,904/mo

Year-over-Year

-1.2%

Month-over-Month

+3.5%

vs US Median

-$61

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

University Place · $1,904

More expensive than 53% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

63/100

Good value

OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent

$1,904/mo

Expected by trend

$2,041/mo

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

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,365

1 BR

$1,550

2 BR

$1,905

3 BR

$2,670

4 BR+

$3,045

Research median

$1,905/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

$22,848/yr

At $1,904/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are climbing (1.2% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.

Based on rent-price momentum (-1.2% YoY, +3.5% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

University Place, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 42.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

34,911

Median income

$99,031

Median age

40.1

Renters

42.8%

Age distribution

22.8%

20.3%

26.3%

19.5%

Under 1822.8%

18–3420.3%

35–5426.3%

55–6411.1%

65+19.5%

Gender

47%

53%

Male47%

Female53%

Race & ethnicity

61.6%

12.4%

White61.6%

Black7.1%

Hispanic12.4%

Asian10.9%

Other7.9%

Education (25+)

20.6%

33.1%

42.1%

No HS diploma4.2%

HS diploma20.6%

Some college33.1%

Bachelor's+42.1%

Housing tenure

57.2%

42.8%

Owner57.2%

Renter42.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How University Place, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,557 → $1,904

up 22.3%

Income

$84,673 → $99,031

up 17.0%

Population

34,565 → 34,911

up 1.0%

Renter share

41% → 42.8%

+1.8 pts

Bachelor's+

43.4% → 42.1%

-1.3 pts

Median age

37.5 → 40.1

+2.6 yrs

The median rent in University Place, WA stood at $1,557 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,904, reflecting a 22.3% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in University Place, WA now reports about $99,031, up from $84,673 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.0% since 2021, moving from about 34,565 residents to roughly 34,911. Renters now make up 42.8% of households, compared with 41% five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and University Place, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about University Place

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View University Place rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in University Place on your salary?

At $1,904/mo, how University Place rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $105,818/yr · Rent = 21.6% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $75,130/yr · Rent = 30.4% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $86,542/yr · Rent = 26.4% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $154,683/yr · Rent = 14.8% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $197,646/yr · Rent = 11.6% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $70,347/yr · Rent = 32.5% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $63,515/yr · Rent = 36% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $78,288/yr · Rent = 29.2% income

affordable

By apartment size

University Place rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in University Place

About renting in University Place, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in University Place is $1,904/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,365/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,905/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,550/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,670/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($99,031/yr), University Place ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is University Place an affordable city for renters?

University Place is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,904/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($99,031/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. University Place falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in University Place?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $76,000/year (~$37/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,904/mo in University Place. The local median household income is $99,031/yr, meaning the typical University Place household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in University Place?

Rent in University Place has decreased 1.2% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which University Place neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in University Place are 98467 ($1,682/mo), and 98466 ($1,977/mo). Citywide, the median rent in University Place is $1,904/mo.

How does University Place rent compare to other cities in Washington?

University Place is one of the more affordable cities in Washington for rent, ranking #78 out of 110 tracked cities at $1,904/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than University Place?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than University Place ($1,904/mo): Lakewood ($1,708/mo), Parkland ($1,730/mo), Tacoma ($1,749/mo).

What percentage of University Place residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.8% of University Place households are renters, while 57.2% are owner-occupied. University Place leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does University Place rent compare to the national average?

University Place's median rent of $1,904/mo is $61 (3%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #78 out of 110 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

23%

VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,904/mo, rent takes ~23% of University Place's median household income ($99,031/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

University Place 23%Benchmark 30%

State income taxNone

Run the University Place affordability calculator →

Nearby cities