Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University District Seattle, WA from $600 (115 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the University District area of Seattle.

property at 5015 17th Ave NE

5015 17th Ave NE

SeattleWA98105

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

The Emerald City's Secrets: A 30-Year Local's Guide to Renting in Seattle

Dive into Seattle's fascinating history—from its 'swampy mess' origins to the birthplace of grunge. Explore areas to rent like Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the new Overlook Walk.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

University District, Seattle, WA Local Guide

Cheapest Available University District Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the University District area of Seattle, WA is a Studio unit found at Sun Property priced from $683. Sun light has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $745. Here are the most affordable University District apartments for rent in Seattle, WA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Sun PropertyFurnished dorm roomStudio,$683
Sun lightMicro Studio STUDENT ONLYStudio,1BA$745
Sunrise Cascade2nd Floor StudioStudio,1BA$845
Husky Court Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$849
4538 18th Ave NEPod Second Floor6BR,1BA$875
Ivy Ridge ApartmentsCongregate ApartmentStudio,1BA$895
Aubrey StudiosShared Bathroom StudioStudio,1BA$950
Portage Bay Flats - Affordable Studio Apartments In Seattle's U-DistrictStudio MFTEStudio,1BA$995
Novo ApartmentsStudio - 198 sqftStudio,1BA$1,006
Apex2x12BR,1BA$1,029

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University District, WA

As of December 09, 2025 the best value apartment in the University District area is the $0.58 price per square foot Pod Second Floor Model at 4538 18th Ave NE in the in the University District neighborhood starting from $875. The second greatest value University District apartment is the 4x2 Model at Forde Apartments starting at $2,200 with a $1.54 price per square foot in the University District neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for University District apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
4538 18th Ave NEPod Second Floor6BR,1.5BA$0.58
Forde Apartments4x24BR,2BA$1.54
A&T Investments4-Bedroom/3-Bathroom Apartments4BR,3BA$2.25
Parsonage4 Bedroom 14BR,2BA$1.14
Narvik2 x 22BR,2BA$2.20
The Frederick Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.06
Hoven Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.26
Avenue Building: Centrally located in University District!STUDIO/1BAStudio ,1BA$2.29
Davison Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$2.30
Arbora CourtStudio - 60% AMIStudio ,1BA$2.15

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

Read Article
Decorative image

Seattle Apartment Guide: Find Your Rental Near Tech Hubs like Amazon, Google, and Adobe

Cut down on your commute! Discover Seattle's top neighborhoods to rent near major employers like Amazon, Meta, and Fred Hutchinson. Find your ideal work-life balance in the Emerald City.

Read Article
Decorative image

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

Read Article
Decorative image

Picking the Perfect Seattle Neighborhood for College Life

Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in Seattle, WA | Find Seattle Off-Campus Student Housing at ApartmentHomeLiving.com

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in metropolitan areas across the United States and customized analysis for Northeast Seattle, WA. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury housing options, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, places to raise kids, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Getting Around the University District Neighborhood in Seattle, WA

Walk Score®

96 / 100

Walker’s Paradise

Daily errands do not require a car

Bike Score®

89 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

83 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit is convenient for most trips

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap University District Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in University District?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in University District is under $1,029.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in University District?

The cheapest apartment in University District is Aubrey Studios which is listed at $1,200, while the average apartment in University District costs $4,400.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in University District?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 186 regular apartments in University District that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in University District?

Cheap apartments in University District have an average cost of $1,337 which is $3,063 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in University District.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

decorative image for The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA article

The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA

Written by: Sharon Stallings

I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. My husband, two children, and I moved to West Seattle in 1995.

decorative image for Picking the Perfect Seattle Neighborhood for College Life article

Picking the Perfect Seattle Neighborhood for College Life

Written by: Sharon Stallings

I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. Whether you're new to Seattle or grew up here, the neighborhood where you live makes a huge difference while attending college.

decorative image for Seattle Apartment Guide: Find Your Rental Near Tech Hubs like Amazon, Google, and Adobe article

Seattle Apartment Guide: Find Your Rental Near Tech Hubs like Amazon, Google, and Adobe

Written by: Sharon Stallings

I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. We're blessed to live in Seattle, affectionately known as the Emerald City.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.