When considering a move to Federal Way, Washington, the first question that comes to mind is likely how much cheaper the rent is compared to Seattle or Bellevue. The second question is which unit type fits your budget and lifestyle. Let's take a look at these two aspects by unit type.

Studios average between $1,300 and $1,400, with a size of around 470 square feet. This is definitely cheaper than downtown Seattle, and many single-person households choose this area to reduce their rent burden, even if it means a longer commute.

One-bedroom units average between $1,500 and $1,600, with a size of about 700 square feet. This configuration is mainly sought after by working singles or newlyweds, and the fact that it is over $300 cheaper than Bellevue or Seattle is a decisive reason for choosing this area.

Two-bedroom units average between $1,800 and $1,900, with a size of around 1,000 square feet. Families with children or roommate combinations are the main demand for this type, and due to the characteristics of the southern King County area, many units are designed for commuting by car rather than public transportation.

Three-bedroom units average between $2,200 and $2,400, with a size of about 1,250 square feet. These are mainly chosen by families with multiple children or extended families, and when looking at the entire Seattle area, the three-bedroom market is considered relatively less burdensome.

So, which type is most commonly available? In new developments, the proportion of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units is the highest, while three-bedroom units are relatively few. Studios are also limited in supply in this area.

• Studio: about $1,300–$1,400 / around 470 sqft
• One-bedroom: about $1,500–$1,600 / around 700 sqft
• Two-bedroom: about $1,800–$1,900 / around 1,000 sqft
• Three-bedroom: about $2,200–$2,400 / around 1,250 sqft

The final question is what the rent gap means. The differences between unit types generally range from $200 to $400, which is more gradual compared to downtown Seattle or Bellevue. This suggests that the burden of adding an extra room is relatively manageable.

For Korean households looking for more space within their budget in the Seattle area, Federal Way can be a realistic alternative. However, the increased commute time should be considered, so it's advisable to weigh the location of your job against the savings on rent.