Seattle renters seek new horizons in Spokane, Portland, Boise
SEATTLE - Seattle renters are increasingly moving to nearby cities, with Spokane, Portland and Boise emerging as top destinations, according to the 2025 Apartment List Renter Migration Report.
The report reveals that 13.1% of Seattle's outbound rental searches target Spokane, followed by 10.7% for Portland and 5% for Boise.
Keep reading to learn more about the report, the latest migration patterns across the U.S. and which urban cities renters are leaving for life in Seattle.
Seattle's inbound interest is coming from 3 major metropolises
By the numbers:
Seattle continues to attract renters from larger metropolitan areas, with the highest interest coming from:
- Los Angeles, CA: 5.4%
- Portland, OR: 4.1%
- New York, NY: 3.9%
Seattle's rental market dynamics
Why you should care:
Seattle's rental market has experienced a moderate uptick, with median rents increasing by 1.9% over the past year, reaching $2,026 as of March 2025.
This growth surpasses the Washington state average of 1.7% and contrasts with the national trend, where rents have decreased by 0.4% over the same period.
The data indicates a dynamic rental landscape in Seattle, characterized by inbound interest from major cities and a notable outflow to neighboring regions.
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Migration patterns across the US
Remote work has enabled Americans to relocate to more affordable, less densely populated regions, particularly in the Southeast and Mountain West. However, as remote work's prevalence diminishes, these areas may become less attractive, especially if they lack competitive wages.
The Source: Information for this story came from the 2025 Apartment List Renter Migration Report and the Apartment List March 2025 Rent Report.
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