True Cost of Renting in Kirkland

Kirkland is a mid-sized lakeside city on the east shore of Lake Washington with a genuine small-town-meets-tech feel. Google opened a major campus here in 2019 (expanding aggressively), joining existing employers Costco and Tableau. The downtown waterfront on Lake Washington creates a premium rental submarket that rivals Bellevue. Rents are slightly below Bellevue but above Redmond for comparable units.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Downtown Kirkland / Waterfront

Studio:
$1,700/mo
1 Bed:
$2,300/mo
2 Bed:
$3,200/mo

Walkable lakefront downtown with parks, restaurants, and marina access; older and newer apartment buildings compete in this desirable area. PSE electric. Some parking included; waterfront units command premium. Metro bus to Bellevue and Seattle.

Totem Lake / Kingsgate

Studio:
$1,400/mo
1 Bed:
$1,900/mo
2 Bed:
$2,600/mo

North Kirkland near Totem Lake Mall redevelopment zone; newer apartment complexes near Google's main campus. I-405 access and future East Link station at 128th. PSE electric. Most complexes include two parking spaces.

South Kirkland / Houghton

1 Bed:
$2,100/mo
2 Bed:
$2,900/mo

Affluent lakeside neighborhood between Downtown Kirkland and Bellevue; limited apartment supply in an area dominated by single-family homes. SR-520 on-ramp access for Seattle commutes. Lake views add premium. PSE electric.

Utility Providers

Electric
PSE (Puget Sound Energy)
Water
City of Kirkland Water Division
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, CenturyLink

Commute & Transportation

Kirkland's commute hub is I-405 (running north to Lynnwood and south to Renton), with SR-520 accessible via SR-908 for Seattle access. Google's campus is in Kirkland proper. Costco's headquarters is in Issaquah, 20 minutes south on I-90. Metro Bus routes connect Kirkland to the Bellevue Transit Center and the Eastgate P&R for I-90 commuters. The Cross Kirkland Corridor trail (a converted rail trail) provides car-free bike access across the city. East Link Light Rail at the future Kirkland urban station is in planning stages.

Rental Market Overview

Kirkland rents premium for its Lake Washington waterfront and small-city feel relative to larger Bellevue and Seattle. PSE electric rates apply throughout. No state income tax. Google's campus expansion has tightened supply in the Totem Lake and Downtown core areas. Washington state prohibits rent control. Security deposits limited to 1 month's rent. Strong school district ratings make Kirkland popular with tech families. Renters insurance averages $15–20/month.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Kirkland

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Renting in Kirkland: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Kirkland?
One-bedroom apartments in Kirkland range from $1,900/month in Totem Lake / Kingsgate to $2,300/month in Downtown Kirkland / Waterfront. Two-bedroom units range from $2,600 to $3,200/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Kirkland?
In Kirkland, electricity is provided by PSE (Puget Sound Energy), water by City of Kirkland Water Division, and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, CenturyLink. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Kirkland?
Totem Lake / Kingsgate is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Kirkland, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,900/month. North Kirkland near Totem Lake Mall redevelopment zone; newer apartment complexes near Google's main campus. I-405 access and future East Link station at 128th. PSE electric. Most complexes include two parking spaces. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Kirkland expensive to rent in?
Kirkland rents premium for its Lake Washington waterfront and small-city feel relative to larger Bellevue and Seattle. PSE electric rates apply throughout. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Kirkland — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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