A double room with a private bath in most University of Washington residence halls costs $13,188 for the 2026–27 academic year, and a studio apartment costs $18,966. Off campus, Apartment List puts the median one-bedroom in Seattle at $1,948 a month in October 2026. This guide sets out the verified figures and what I could not confirm.
Details come from UW Housing & Food Services (rates approved by the Board of Regents on 12 March 2026) and Apartment List, checked on 21 October 2026. Apartment List medians are for whole apartments, not single rooms.
University of Washington residence hall rates, 2026–27
| Option (examples) | Per quarter | Academic year |
|---|---|---|
| Hansee Hall, four-person suite, private bath | $2,208 | $6,624 |
| McMahon Hall, double, semi-private bath | $2,945 | $8,835 |
| Alder, Elm or Terry Hall, triple, private bath | $3,529 | $10,587 |
| Alder, Elm or Terry Hall, double, private bath | $4,396 | $13,188 |
| Lander, Maple or Poplar Hall, single, private bath | $5,176 | $15,528 |
| Studio apartment, private bath (several halls) | $6,322 | $18,966 |
Apartment-style options are priced per room: Stevens Court singles run $12,300 to $13,038 a year, and a single in a Mercer Court three- or four-bedroom apartment is $16,464. Twelve-month apartments are billed monthly, from $1,662 for a four-bedroom single to $1,917 for a studio. The rates exclude dining.
Dining plans
Residence hall dining plans range from Level 1 at $3,909 a year to Level 6 at $8,745. Returning residents can choose Level RR at $3,690. Apartment plans are optional add-ons of $600, $1,200 or $1,800 a year.
Private rental in Seattle
| Measure (October 2026) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median one-bedroom rent | $1,948 a month |
| Median two-bedroom rent | $2,432 a month |
| Change over 12 months | Down 2.8% |
Residence hall or private rental?
| Question | UW residence hall | Private rental |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $6,624 to $18,966 a year for rooms, dining extra | $1,948 median for a one-bedroom, so a shared flat divides this |
| Billing | By quarter | Monthly, under your lease |
| Flexibility | Fixed academic-year agreement | Set by lease term |
I have not ranked neighbourhoods or listed private blocks, because I could not verify prices or area details against reliable sources. View any room in person or on a live video call, get a written lease and never pay before you have one. For other West Coast cities, see our guides to Portland, Pullman and San Francisco, or browse all student accommodation in the United States.
FAQs about student accommodation in Seattle
How much do UW residence halls cost?
For 2026–27, from $6,624 a year for a Hansee Hall four-person suite to $18,966 for a studio. Dining plans cost extra.
How much is a one-bedroom in Seattle?
Apartment List reports a median of $1,948 a month in October 2026, down 2.8% on a year earlier.
Sources
All checked 21 October 2026.
