Bothell remains one of the stronger suburban rental markets in the Greater Seattle area, but April 2026 data shows a more nuanced picture than many landlords expect. Demand is still present, especially for well-located and well-priced homes, yet the market is no longer forgiving to overpriced listings. Renters have more choices, inventory is healthy, and pricing strategy matters more than it did during tighter leasing cycles.
Based on the long-term rental data you provided, Bothell’s market is best described as stable but cooler than last year, with different platforms showing different averages depending on whether they focus on apartments only, broader rental inventory, or active listing medians. That is exactly why landlords should avoid relying on a single number when pricing a property.
Zillow Rentals data shows that the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Bothell is $2,500 as of April 21, 2026, with 174 available rentals and no month-over-month rent growth. Year-over-year, rents are down $690, and the market is currently labeled as cool, indicating renters are becoming more price sensitive and selective.
Data from Apartments.com places the average apartment rent in Bothell at about $2,009 per month in April 2026, with a typical unit size of 720 square feet and a 1% increase over the past year. Their data also highlights that 64% of apartments are priced above $2,000, reinforcing Bothell’s position as a premium suburban rental market.
RentCafe’s market analysis reports an average apartment rent of $2,284, reflecting a slight 0.46% year-over-year decrease, with most units falling in the $2,001 to $2,500 range. This suggests demand remains steady, but growth has slowed compared to previous years.
Realtor.com data shows a median rent of $3,250 per month, capturing the higher end of the market, particularly single-family homes and larger properties. The platform also reports 132 active home listings, a 29-day median time on market, and a median listing price of $1,048,900, all of which help explain why rental pricing remains elevated despite softer growth.
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What the April 2026 Bothell rental data tells landlords
The first takeaway is that Bothell is still expensive, but pricing has become more competitive. Zillow’s all property average of $2,500, Apartments.com’s apartment average of $2,009, RentCafe’s apartment average of $2,284, and Realtor.com’s median rent of $3,250 are not contradictions. They are measuring different slices of the market.
Apartment-focused platforms tend to reflect multifamily inventory, while broader market platforms often pull in townhomes and single family homes. For landlords, that means pricing a Bothell home based only on apartment averages can lead to mistakes.
This is where strategy matters. Many owners who struggle in today’s market are not reacting to real-time conditions.
Learn more about: Smart pricing for rental property management
The second takeaway is that inventory matters now more than it did last year. Zillow shows 174 available rentals, while Apartments.com reports 865 available apartments for rent. Even though these datasets are built differently, both point to the same conclusion: renters have options.
In this environment, vacancy becomes more expensive than small pricing adjustments.
Learn more about: Reducing vacancy between tenants
The third takeaway is that Bothell is not collapsing, but it is normalizing. Zillow’s year over year decline of $690 is a major headline number, but it should be read alongside apartment-specific data showing relative stability.
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Average rent in Bothell by property type and unit size
Here is a practical way to interpret the April 2026 Bothell numbers:
According to Zillow:
- Studio: $1,781
- 1 bedroom: $1,875
- 2 bedroom: $2,360
- 3 bedroom: $3,200
- 4 bedroom: $4,317
According to Apartments.com:
- Studio: $1,807
- 1 bedroom: $2,009
- 2 bedroom: $2,489
- 3 bedroom: $3,005
According to RentCafe:
- Studio: $1,750
- 1 bedroom: $1,963
- 2 bedroom: $2,450
- 3 bedroom: $2,975
This clustering shows consistency in apartment pricing, but larger homes continue to command a premium.
However, if your property is not leasing within expected timelines, it is usually not just “market conditions.”
Learn more about why your rental is not getting applications
Neighborhood-level rent signals in Bothell
According to Apartments.com, more affordable areas include:
- Seattle Hill-Silver Firs: about $1,685
- Thrasher’s Corner-Red Hawk: about $2,033
- North Creek Snohomish: about $2,040
Stronger pricing areas include:
- North Creek: about $2,209
- Downtown Bothell: about $2,226
Realtor.com zip code data:
- 98011: $3,475
- 98021: $4,000
- 98012: $3,050
This variation highlights why localized pricing matters more than ever.
Bothell Rents Are Shifting This April
See where your property fits in today’s market.
Is Bothell a hot or cool rental market right now?
According to Zillow, Bothell is a cool rental market in April 2026. That does not mean weak demand. It means renters have more leverage.
Properties now take longer to lease unless priced correctly. Renters negotiate more, and presentation matters more than before.
In this type of market, operational efficiency becomes a major advantage.
Learn more about: how GPS Renting cuts turnover time and prevents lost rent
What landlords should do in Bothell right now
The biggest mistake in this market is assuming last year’s pricing still works.
If Zillow’s broad average is down while apartment pricing is stable, the pressure is likely on larger homes and higher price points. Owners should focus on total return, not just monthly rent.
Understanding how to price correctly in real-time is critical.
Learn more about: How to accurately price your rental in today’s market
Are You Pricing Your Bothell Rental Correctly?
Compare your property with current April 2026 listings.
Short-term rental data adds context, but should be treated separately
According to AirROI, Bothell’s short-term rental market includes:
- 74 active listings
- $26,568 average annual revenue
- 48.5% occupancy
- $187 ADR
This shows opportunity, but also complexity. Short-term rentals require active management, cost control, and strong execution.
Choosing between strategies depends on your goals and property type.
Learn more about: long-term versus short-term rental strategy
How Bothell compares with nearby markets
Bothell remains competitive:
- Bothell: $2,500
- Lynnwood: $2,300
- Mill Creek: $2,449
- Bellevue: $2,724
- Redmond: $2,535
This positioning keeps Bothell attractive for renters looking for value within the Eastside region.
Investor and landlord outlook for Bothell
Bothell still offers strong long-term fundamentals, but it is no longer a passive market.
Success today requires:
- Accurate pricing
- Fast leasing
- Strong marketing
- Professional operations
For landlords who prefer a hands-off approach, working with a professional team can significantly improve performance.
Learn more about property management in Bothell:
https://gpsrenting.com/how-property-management-works-bothell/
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Final thoughts
The April 2026 Bothell rental market is stable, but more competitive than before.
Well-prepared and well-priced properties still perform. Overpriced or poorly managed rentals struggle.
For landlords who adapt, this remains a strong and profitable market. For those who don’t, vacancy and lost income become more common.
Now is the time to focus on pricing accuracy, leasing efficiency, and operational execution.
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FAQs
1. What is the average rent in Bothell, WA in April 2026?
As of April 2026, the average rent in Bothell is approximately $2,500 according to Zillow for all property types. Apartment-specific platforms show lower averages, typically ranging between $2,009 and $2,284 depending on the dataset.
2. Is rent going up or down in Bothell right now?
Rental trends are mixed. Zillow reports a year-over-year decrease of about $690, while apartment-focused platforms show relatively stable or slightly increasing rents. Overall, the market is stabilizing after previous highs.
3. Why do different websites show different rent prices for Bothell?
Each platform tracks different property types and data sources. Zillow includes houses and broader listings, while Apartments.com and RentCafe focus more on apartment data, leading to different average rent figures.
4. Is Bothell a good place to invest in rental property?
Yes, Bothell remains attractive due to strong demand, suburban appeal, and proximity to major job centers. However, investors need to be more strategic with pricing and management in today’s competitive market.
5. What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bothell?
One-bedroom apartments in Bothell typically rent between $1,875 and $2,009 per month depending on location, condition, and amenities.
6. What is the average rent for a house in Bothell?
Single-family homes vary widely, but many fall between $3,000 and $4,500 per month, with higher-end homes exceeding that range depending on size and location.
7. How competitive is the Bothell rental market?
The market is currently considered “cool,” meaning renters have more options and negotiating power. Well-priced homes still lease quickly, while overpriced properties may sit longer.
8. How long does it take to rent out a property in Bothell?
Leasing timelines vary, but many properties now take around 30 to 45 days to fill if not priced competitively. Well-priced homes can still lease faster.
9. What factors affect rent prices in Bothell the most?
Key factors include location (zip code and neighborhood), property condition, size, school district, proximity to employers, and current market inventory levels.
10. Should landlords lower rent to avoid vacancy?
Not always, but pricing at or slightly below market often results in faster leasing and better overall returns. Extended vacancy can cost more than a small rent adjustment.
Written by Nick He, Founder of GPS Renting
Nick He founded GPS Renting with the mission of delivering professional, honest, and kind property management across the Greater Seattle area. With deep expertise in regional rental trends, market analytics, and Washington housing regulations, Nick provides data-driven insights that help landlords and investors make informed decisions in one of the most complex rental markets in the country. His monthly market updates are trusted by Seattle-area owners who rely on accurate forecasting, clear analysis, and grounded operational experience to stay ahead of market shifts.