Rent Olympia

Living in Olympia, WA

Olympia is a city that balances nature, history, and access to opportunity. Located at the southern tip of Puget Sound, it offers scenic views, a strong sense of community, and a slower pace than Seattle or Portland. But make no mistake — Olympia is far from sleepy. From waterfront parks to weekend markets, it's a city full of movement and life.

Renters are drawn here for different reasons. Some come for state jobs and the stability they offer. Others come for the outdoors — hiking in Capitol Forest, kayaking Budd Inlet, or walking the Chehalis Western Trail. Whatever brings you, Olympia tends to keep people with its sense of place and its approachable lifestyle.

Olympia’s Rental Market

The Olympia rental market includes a mix of downtown apartments, suburban homes, and multi-unit townhouses. One-bedroom units typically range from $1,300 to $1,600 per month, while two-bedroom options sit between $1,600 and $2,000. Neighborhoods like Westside and Eastside offer quieter living with good schools and quick freeway access. Downtown rentals are walkable and close to coffee shops, restaurants, and the Capitol campus.

Lease terms are usually 12 months, but short-term and furnished rentals are increasingly available — especially for traveling nurses and remote workers. Many properties are pet-friendly, and newer developments often include updated amenities like in-unit laundry, bike storage, and EV charging. If you're looking to compare current rental rates, sites like Zumper or ApartmentList can give you a helpful overview.

Planning Your Move

A successful move begins with preparation. Whether you're relocating from another part of Washington or from out of state, the same principles apply: plan early, pack efficiently, and leave room for flexibility.

Helpful Moving Tips

• Label boxes clearly by room and importance
• Pack a personal essentials kit for the first 2–3 days
• Downsize before packing — donate or sell what you don’t need
• Take photos of electronics before unplugging for easier reassembly
• Measure furniture and doorways to avoid surprises on move-in day

Even if you're only moving across town, following a basic checklist can save hours of stress. If you're new to this process, the general moving guides on sites like Moving.com offer step-by-step checklists that apply just about anywhere.

What Renters Should Know

Washington has strong tenant protections, but every lease is different. Before signing anything, take time to read and understand what you're agreeing to. Ask questions — even small ones — to avoid misunderstandings later.

Common Lease Topics to Clarify

• Who pays for water, garbage, and electricity?
• How are maintenance requests handled?
• What’s the policy for early termination or subletting?
• Are there restrictions on guests, pets, or smoking?
• Will rent increase after the first year?

Renter’s insurance is often required and is always a good idea. It typically costs $10–$20 per month and covers your belongings in case of fire, theft, or water damage. Sites like Policygenius let you compare policies quickly and easily.

Storage and Downsizing Tips

Not everything has to move with you on day one. If you’re in between homes or moving into a smaller space, temporary storage can make the process smoother. Olympia has several options — from small 5x5 lockers to full garage-sized units.

When to Consider Storage

• You’re waiting for a new lease to start
• You’re downsizing and need time to sort things out
• You want to stage your current home while selling
• You’re moving in phases — with furniture arriving later

Good packing matters more than you might think. Stack boxes with heavy items on bottom, use soft materials to wrap fragile goods, and avoid storing anything with moisture. Look for climate-controlled units if you plan to store items long-term.

Helpful Tools and Resources

Rent Olympia isn’t a rental platform — it’s a starting point. Think of it as a local primer with broad tools to support your transition. Whether you’re searching for listings, comparing neighborhoods, or organizing your move, the right tools make a big difference.

What You’ll Find Here

• Local insights about Olympia neighborhoods
• Checklists for packing, moving, and transitioning
• FAQs covering leases, rights, and prep
• Links to external resources we’ve found helpful

Our goal is to save you time, money, and hassle — and maybe help you feel a little more grounded in the process. Start with our FAQ section below and explore additional tools as needed.