Seattle apartments tend to be smaller than national averages, especially in urban neighborhoods. Here's what to expect for square footage by unit type, and how to make the most of your space.
Average Apartment Sizes in Seattle
Typical Square Footage by Type
One open room combining living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. Separate bathroom.
Like a studio, but with a partial wall or alcove creating a sleeping nook.
Separate bedroom with door. Living area and kitchen.
Two separate bedrooms. Often 1 or 2 bathrooms.
Less common in urban core. More available in outer neighborhoods.
Micro-Apartments & aPodments
Seattle has become known for "micro-housing"—very small units designed for affordability:
- Micro-units: 150-300 sq ft
- Often include: Bed, desk, small kitchen, private bathroom
- May share: Common kitchens, lounges, rooftop decks
- Price: $800-1,400/month (lower than traditional studios)
Micro-apartments are most common in Capitol Hill, the University District, and downtown. They're popular with students and young professionals on a budget.
Size Varies by Neighborhood
Size Differences by Area
- Downtown/SLU:Newer buildings, smaller units (studios ~400 sq ft)
- Capitol Hill:Mix of old and new. Older buildings often larger.
- Ballard:More older buildings with larger units
- Columbia City:More houses and larger apartments
- West Seattle:More 2-3 bedrooms available
Old Buildings vs. New Construction
A general rule in Seattle:
- Older buildings (pre-1980): Often larger units, more character, but fewer amenities
- New construction (2010+): Smaller units, modern finishes, building amenities (gym, rooftop, package lockers)
A 1BR in a 1960s building might be 800+ sq ft, while a new luxury 1BR could be 580 sq ft. The tradeoff is often amenities vs. space.
How to Evaluate Space
Square footage doesn't tell the whole story:
- Layout matters — Open floor plans feel larger
- Ceiling height — 9-10 ft ceilings add perceived space
- Windows — Natural light makes rooms feel bigger
- Storage — Closets, cabinets, and in-unit storage
- Usable space — Awkward corners reduce functionality
Pro Tip: Visit in Person
Always view the actual unit (not just a model). A well-designed 500 sq ft apartment can feel larger than a poorly laid out 650 sq ft unit.
Tips for Small Space Living
If you're moving from a larger space (or a city with bigger apartments), here's how to adapt:
- Measure before you move — Know if your furniture will fit
- Go vertical — Tall bookshelves, wall-mounted storage
- Multi-use furniture — Murphy beds, convertible desks, storage ottomans
- Declutter ruthlessly — Less stuff = more space
- Under-bed storage — Bed risers create valuable space
- Mirrors — Create the illusion of more space
- Use building amenities — Work in the lounge, exercise in the gym
Storage Options
Many Seattle buildings have limited closet space. Options:
- Building storage units — Often available for extra fee ($50-150/month)
- Off-site storage — Many self-storage options around the city
- Garage parking — Some buildings allow storage if you rent a spot
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