RentData

Average Rent in Longview, WA↓ Rents falling 3.7% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 111,539

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Longview, WA has rental prices ranging from $974/month to $2,337/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,124/month — 20% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,932/year, spending $1,124/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Longview Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,398/month, Longview ranks #19 most expensive of the 36 cities tracked in Washington — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Longview Rental Market

The Longview, WA area has a population of about 111,539 and 34% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Longview, WA have fallen by $53/month (3.7%) over the past year, from $1,451 to $1,398. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Longview, WA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $44,960. The local median household income of $72,932 exceeds that threshold by $27,972, making Longview relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Longview, WA is $386,819, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.1. 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 Longview's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Highlands ($266,731 median home value), Broadway ($280,509 median home value), Saint Helens ($325,279 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$974
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,124
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,398
↓3.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,936
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,337
Average
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▼
Median Home Value
$386,819
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$2,059/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Longview, WA Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$55,920/year
Local median income: $72,932
To buy a median home
$82,353/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,398/month and 20% down on a $386,819 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Tacoma$1,491$1,682$2,064$2,849—
Seattle$2,091$2,180$2,549$3,324—
Spokane$1,116$1,173$1,494$2,047—
Kennewick$1,094$1,230$1,487$2,051—
Olympia$1,586$1,656$1,946$2,541—
Bremerton$1,370$1,535$1,967$2,637—

Rent or Buy in Longview?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Longview data

$
Home Value
$386,819
2BR Rent
$1,398/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$2,059/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,849/movs rent: $1,398/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $386,819 home at 7% rate

20% — $77,364
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,059
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$309,455
Total Paid
$741,173
Total Interest
$431,718
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Longview

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Longview

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Longview

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Longview

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WA

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📋WA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections