Is Boston, MA cheaper than Bellevue, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 10.3% cheaper than Bellevue, WA. This translates to saving $769 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Bellevue, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bellevue, WA, you'd need approximately $140,767.781 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bellevue, WA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 19.4% cheaper than in Bellevue, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bellevue, WA to Boston, MA?

Moving from Bellevue, WA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $769 per month, or $9232 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bellevue, WA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Bellevue, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $769/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$769

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bellevue, WA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.46M

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Bellevue, WA

The Evergreen State

152K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 152K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bellevue, WA vs Boston, MA

Category	Bellevue, WA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,547/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $1,272less	19.4%
All Utilities	$472/mo	$716/mo	↑ $243more	51.5%
Other	$1,907/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $82.12less	4.3%
Healthcare	$810/mo	$743/mo	↓ $66.12less	8.2%
Groceries	$1,060/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $18.89more	1.8%
Transportation	$1,833/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $2.41less	0.1%

Housing

↓ 19.4%

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,272

less

All Utilities

↑ 51.5%

Bellevue, WA

$472

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$243

Other

↓ 4.3%

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$82.12

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.2%

Bellevue, WA

$810

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$66.12

less

Groceries

↑ 1.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$18.89

Transportation

↓ 0.1%

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$2.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,105

To$3,095

↑ $990

1 Bed

From$2,178

To$3,255

↑ $1,077

2 Bed

From$2,539

To$3,865

↑ $1,326

3 Bed

From$3,319

To$4,630

↑ $1,311

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,629

Monthly in Bellevue, WA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$1,160

Difference

Home Values

Bellevue

Boston

$1.46M

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +42.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$1.01M - $1.63M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 34% less expensive than Bellevue

Calculate payment - Bellevue Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Bellevue, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Bellevue, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.