True Cost of Renting in Olympia

Olympia is Washington's state capital, with state government as the dominant employer and The Evergreen State College providing a secondary anchor. The city sits at the southern tip of Puget Sound, 60 miles from Seattle and 30 miles from Tacoma. Rents are among the lowest of any Pacific Northwest capital, and PSE electric rates are moderate. Olympia is a strong choice for state employees, environmental and outdoor enthusiasts, and remote workers seeking affordability with Pacific Northwest quality of life.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Capitol Campus / Eastside

Studio:
$900/mo
1 Bed:
$1,200/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Neighborhoods adjacent to the State Capitol campus; older apartment buildings and converted houses. Walking distance to state government offices. PSE electric. Olympia bus system (Intercity Transit) provides basic coverage. Street parking generally available.

Downtown / Percival Landing

Studio:
$1,000/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$1,900/mo

Walkable waterfront district with independent restaurants, farmers market, and Olympia breweries; newer apartment buildings and converted commercial space. Intercity Transit hub. PSE electric.

Westside / Tumwater

Studio:
$800/mo
1 Bed:
$1,100/mo
2 Bed:
$1,500/mo

Affordable suburban district west of Downtown and into neighboring Tumwater; apartment complexes near I-5. Car-dependent but most affordable option in the metro. Significant state government satellite offices in this corridor.

Utility Providers

Electric
PSE (Puget Sound Energy)
Water
City of Olympia Water Department
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet

Commute & Transportation

Olympia's primary highway is I-5, connecting north to Tacoma (30 miles, 35 minutes) and Seattle (60 miles, 60–75 minutes). US-101 runs west along the Hood Canal to the Olympic Peninsula. The state Capitol campus is the dominant employer — thousands of state employees, lobbyists, and contractors fill the Eastside neighborhood. Intercity Transit provides bus service throughout the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater metro area. No commuter rail service to Seattle (the Cascades Amtrak stops in Olympia/Lacey). Evergreen State College (8 miles west) employs 1,500+.

Rental Market Overview

Olympia is among the most affordable state capitals in the Pacific Northwest, with rents 45–55% below Seattle. State government employment creates recession resilience — layoffs happen but at lower rates than private sector. PSE electric rates are moderate. Washington's lack of state income tax applies. No rent control statewide. Security deposits limited to 1 month's rent. Budget for rain: Olympia averages 50 inches of annual rainfall, which affects lifestyle decisions around outdoor activities. Renters insurance averages $12–16/month.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Olympia

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Olympia: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Olympia?
One-bedroom apartments in Olympia range from $1,100/month in Westside / Tumwater to $1,400/month in Downtown / Percival Landing. Two-bedroom units range from $1,500 to $1,900/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 Olympia?
In Olympia, electricity is provided by PSE (Puget Sound Energy), water by City of Olympia Water Department, and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet. Ask the leasing office for the specific unit's average monthly bill rather than a city-wide figure — utility costs vary more by building age and insulation than by location within Olympia.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Olympia?
Westside / Tumwater is the most affordable of the 3 Olympia neighborhoods covered here, at $1,100/month for a one-bedroom — $300 less than Downtown / Percival Landing, roughly a 21% gap. That swing is often bigger than any fee or amenity difference between two buildings in the same neighborhood, which is why comparing across neighborhoods matters as much as comparing within one.
Is Olympia expensive to rent in?
Across the 3 neighborhoods covered here, the average one-bedroom in Olympia runs about $1,233/month before fees, utilities, and amenities are added — and those add-ons are exactly what a bare average hides. Olympia is among the most affordable state capitals in the Pacific Northwest, with rents 45–55% below Seattle. Run the specific units you are considering through RentCompare to see the true all-in monthly cost rather than relying on an area average.

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