“Housing costs have surged since pre-pandemic, with rents growing quite a bit faster than wages,” said Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow. “This often leaves little room for other expenses, making it particularly difficult for those hoping to save for a down payment on a future home. High upfront costs are often overlooked, which can keep renters in their current homes.”

Average apartment rental costs have doubled in price nationwide.

“In eight major metro areas, renters now need to make six figures to comfortably afford rent, a reveals.” Zillow wrote.

So where does Seattle stand?

Here’s how much Seattle renters must earn

In Seattle, renters must make $90,840 to comfortably afford rent, in order to keep housing costs under the recommended 30% of their total income. That’s up 23.2% since April 2020. Conversely, in Portland, a renter must earn at least $74,076 to comfortably afford rent.

“Since April 2020, rent for a typical U.S. apartment has increased by 28.7%, to $1,858, while rent for a single-family home increased by 42.9%, to $2,256. Over that time, the median household income has only risen by 22.5% to about $82,000.” Zillow said.

Here are the cities to find cheaper rent

Zillow breaks down the most affordable markets to target and how renters in these areas spend their hard-earned money.

“The most affordable rental markets are BuffaloÌý($55K income required), Oklahoma CityÌý($56K) and Louisville ($57K). In these markets, the median renter would spend 23% of their income or less on rent, allowing more latitude in gaining financial freedom.” Zillow wrote.

Aside from high monthly rates, security deposits and advance rent payments have contributed to the uptick in total cost, according to Zillow.

“Beyond high monthly rent prices, large upfront costs can pose a barrier for renters looking to move. This is especially true in Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýBoston, where broker fees — on top of security deposit and advance rent payments of one to two months — exacerbate rental affordability challenges,” the report claimed.

Zillow offers a  that sheds light on housing budgets, ensuring that they know exactly what they can afford.

The new location is at 1629 Center Road and will be the tenth Dick’s in Washington and the second in Snohomish County.

Expect a party—the grand opening will feature high school bands, bagpipes, games, and giveaways.

Win a spot in their giveaway

Dick’s is running an , with clues sent out online for a chance to cut the ribbon on opening day.

“In true Dick’s Drive-In tradition, we’re inviting 12 lucky customers to help us cut the ribbon at our grand opening,” Dick’s Drive-In wrote on their website. “To be one of the honored ribbon cutters, you’ll need to win a coveted Orange Ticket.”

Dick’s Drive-In Everett Grand Opening (Photo Courtesy of Dick’s Drive-In)

The company’s roots go back more than 70 years in Seattle, with Dick’s first location opening in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood in 1954.

TPD released a statement, on Friday, asking those involved with multiple car prowls to turn themselves in.

An SUV, its license plate, and all “nefarious acts” were caught by surveillance cameras, the department stated.

“Kudos to whatever you do to stay looking young! You haven’t aged a day since your DOL photo was taken!” TPD cheekily wrote.

The department then asked for the perpetrator to reveal themselves through an edgy request to join them in court, saying, “Keep an eye out in the mail for your coupon for one free court appearance for vehicle prowling and malicious mischief.”

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders posted about the pursuit on Facebook, stating a deputy tried to stop the SUV after seeing the driver run a stop sign onto a busy road. The driver took off, with the deputy chasing after.

“The driver fled north on I-5 into Pierce County, where they sideswiped a white work van before picking up a random bumper on the shoulder,” Sanders wrote. “Our partners at Lakewood Police joined to assist. The driver attempted to flee toward the busy streets of South Tacoma when the pursuing deputy performed a PIT maneuver and pushed the suspect off the road.”

Thurston County deputies arrest driver

The sheriff said the driver got out of the SUV and initially cooperated, but then lowered their hands into their waistband and got back inside the vehicle. The driver was then taken into custody at gunpoint.

TCSO discovered the driver was a convicted felon and had an active DOC (Department of Corrections) escape warrant and a suspended license.

“The driver was booked into TCSO jail for attempting to elude, DWLS 3rd, hit-and-run, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock, and their felony escape warrant.” Sanders wrote. “The suspect also had numerous warrants from jurisdictions along the I-5 corridor, and their crime spree comes to an end.”