Average Rent in Yakima, WA↑ Rents rising 1.9% YoY

Yakima, WA has rental prices ranging from $1,011/month to $1,971/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,018/month — 27% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,015/year, spending $1,018/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Yakima Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,335/month, Yakima ranks #14 most expensive of the 36 cities tracked in Washington — pricier than 87% of all US cities in our data.

The Yakima Rental Market

The Yakima, WA area has a population of about 256,605 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Yakima, WA have risen by $25/month (1.9%) over the past year, from $1,310 to $1,335. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Yakima, WA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,720. The local median household income of $68,015 exceeds that threshold by $27,295, making Yakima relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Yakima, WA is $365,096, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 22.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 23 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Yakima's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Terrace Heights ($404,159 median home value), Gleed ($412,210 median home value), Eschbach ($427,211 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Yakima, WA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Yakima?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Yakima

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.