Can A Bus Driver Afford Rent in Olympia, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.6% of gross income.
Olympia rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a bus driver salary
Transit bus driver pay sits near the US median household income, with municipal and unionized routes often paying more. At the national-average bus driver salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,296 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Olympia, which improves the affordability math on a bus driver salary:
Compare with full rent data for Olympia
View full rent data for Olympia, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a bus driver afford rent in Olympia, WA?
Median rent in Olympia is $2,013 a month. A typical bus driver in Washington earns about $58,038 a year, which makes that rent 41.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a bus driver afford in Olympia?
Using the 30% rule, a bus driver salary in Washington (~$58,038/yr) supports up to $1,451 a month in rent. Olympia's current median rent is $2,013/mo, which is $562/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bus driver work to cover rent in Olympia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a bus driver in Washington works roughly 72.1 hours a month to cover Olympia's median rent of $2,013.
Where is rent cheaper than Olympia for a bus driver?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Ridgefield ($2,011/mo), Burlington ($2,011/mo), Clover Creek ($2,011/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bus driver salary.