Best affordable neighborhoods for renters in Kent, WA

Kent, WA, is one of the Puget Sound’s best-kept secrets for renters. Located about 20 miles south of Seattle and just north of Tacoma, it’s right in the middle of the action, close to major employers, lots of restaurants and over 70 city parks.

The average rent in Kent is $1,913, which is well below what you’d pay in Seattle. It also comes with perks like more space, better parking and neighborhoods that feel like neighborhoods.

About 43% of Kent households are renter-occupied, so the city is well set up for the renter lifestyle. On top of that, Sounder commuter rail and King County Metro make getting around the region easy.

The good news is that several affordable neighborhoods in Kent come in well below that citywide average, giving renters even more room in their monthly budgets. If you’re searching for apartments that offer a good location and everyday comfort without overstretching your finances, these five areas stand out:

• Salt Air Hills
• Canterbury
• Fieldstone
• East Hill-Meridian
• Greenfield Park

Read on to discover the best affordable neighborhoods where you can find budget-friendly apartments in Kent, WA.

Salt Air Hills is a budget-friendly neighborhood with Puget Sound charm

Average rent as of May 2026: $1,755

Salt Air Hills sits on the border between Kent and Des Moines, and it’s one of the best affordable neighborhoods for renters who want to live near the water. This compact, four-block area has a cozy residential character with views of Puget Sound that are hard to beat at this price point.

For commutes, State Route 509 provides a direct commuter route to Seattle and Sea-Tac International Airport, and Pacific Highway is nearby with diverse dining options.

What makes this budget-friendly neighborhood stand out is its proximity to Saltwater State Park, a 137-acre marine park with sandy beaches, tide pools, forested trails and the only underwater artificial reef in Washington‘s state park system.

One honest note: The area sits in Sea-Tac’s flight path, so some airplane noise comes with the territory. For many renters, the savings and beach access make it a fair trade.

Local highlights include:

• Saltwater State Park for beach access, hiking and scuba diving
• Puget Sound views with sunrises and sunsets over the water
• Pacific Highway dining with a wide variety of cuisines
• Quick access to Sea-Tac Airport and SR-509

Canterbury is another affordable neighborhood with a family-friendly feel

Average rent as of May 2026: $1,772

Centered around its namesake Canterbury Park, this is a quiet residential area on Kent’s East Hill. The park features pickleball courts, sand volleyball, a playground, grilling stations and plenty of open green space.

It’s the kind of affordable neighborhood where neighbors stop and chat, a rarity in the greater Seattle metro. The Kent School District serves the area with several well-rated schools nearby.

Grocery stores are close, along with restaurants serving everything from sushi to teriyaki to comfort food. For commuters, SR-167 and Interstate 5 are both within easy reach, putting downtown Seattle about 30 minutes away outside of rush hour.

Local highlights include:

• Canterbury Park for pickleball, volleyball and grilling
• Kent East Hill Shopping Center for everyday needs
• Access to SR-167 and I-5 for commuting

Fieldstone is a well-positioned, affordable neighborhood on East Hill

Average rent as of May 2026: $1,777

Fieldstone sits in the heart of Kent’s popular East Hill. At about $140 below the citywide average, it’s one of the best affordable neighborhoods for renters who want a central location with strong amenities.

Morrill Meadows Park is nearby with walking trails, sports courts, a dog park and a summer concert series. The 104th Avenue SE commercial strip runs along the neighborhood’s western edge, putting grocery stores, banks and restaurants within minutes.

On top of this, East Hill is known for its international dining scene, so renters here can find everything from Korean BBQ to Ethiopian cuisine. Meanwhile, Chestnut Ridge Park adds panoramic views of the Kent Valley and Olympic Mountains, giving this budget-friendly neighborhood a premium feel at a below-average price.

Local highlights include:

• Morrill Meadows Park for trails, sports and a dog park
• Chestnut Ridge Park for panoramic valley and mountain views
• 104th Avenue SE for diverse dining and everyday shopping
• Bus routes and park-and-ride access for commuters

East Hill-Meridian is a diverse, affordable neighborhood with big-city conveniences

Average rent as of May 2026: $1,815

East Hill-Meridian is pricier than other neighborhoods on this list, but it’s still about $100 below the Kent average and the amenities more than make up the difference.

Located about five miles east of downtown Kent, it’s centrally positioned between Seattle and Tacoma with easy access to I-5 and SR-167. Major Eastside employers like Microsoft and T-Mobile are a manageable commute away.

This is one of the most diverse affordable neighborhoods in the Puget Sound region, and that diversity shines through in its food scene, with pho shops, taco trucks, Ethiopian cafes and sushi bars all sharing the same streets.

The crown jewel of the neighborhood is Lake Meridian Park, which offers a swimming beach, fishing dock, boat launch and fun annual events. Kent Station, an open-air shopping center with over 50 businesses, an AMC theater and a Green River College campus, is a short drive away.

Local highlights include:

• Lake Meridian Park for swimming, boating, fishing and events
• Clark Lake Park for nature trails and a BMX course
• International dining scene spanning dozens of cuisines
• Kent Station for shopping, movies and dining
• I-5, SR-167 and King County Metro for commuting

Greenfield Park is an affordable neighborhood in Kent for renters

Average rent as of May 2026: $1,871

Greenfield Park is the highest-priced neighborhood among our five recommendations but it’s still below the citywide average. Located along Military Road S, west of the Riverbend Golf Complex and north of S 272nd Street, this area offers a quiet residential setting with easy access to I-5 and Pacific Highway S. If you commute to Seattle or Tacoma, the drive from this affordable neighborhood is manageable.

The biggest draw here is the Riverbend Golf Complex, a city-owned facility on 160 acres along the Green River. Even non-golfers enjoy its mini golf, driving range, bar and grill and access to the Green River Trail.

On top of this, grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants are all within a short drive along Pacific Highway S, giving renters the everyday essentials without the extra cost.

Local highlights include:

• Riverbend Golf Complex for golf, mini golf and dining
• Green River Trail for biking, jogging and walking
• Pacific Highway S corridor for shopping and restaurants
• Quick access to I-5 and SR-167

Find your next apartment in Kent’s best affordable neighborhoods

Kent proves you don’t have to pay Seattle prices to live in the Seattle metro area. These five affordable neighborhoods offer real value for renters, from Salt Air Hills’ lower rents to East Hill-Meridian’s urban conveniences.

If you’re ready to explore budget-friendly neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget, start browsing available Kent apartments and see what fits your needs. For other affordable rentals in the area, check out our guide for budget-friendly neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA. Renting further away? Our most recent local guides includes a list of the best affordable apartments in Tallahassee, FL.