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
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