Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Bellevue, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 3.6% more expensive than Bellevue, WA. This translates to spending an extra $270 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellevue, WA, you'd need approximately $153,235.29 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 15.1% more expensive than in Bellevue, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $270 more per month than Bellevue, WA, or $3235 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bellevue, WA vs Seattle, WA: 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 spend $270/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.2K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$270

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.2K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

104

(4% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

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!

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bellevue, WA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Bellevue, WA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,547/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $989more	15.1%
Other	$1,907/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $68.54more	3.6%
Transportation	$1,833/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $65.89more	3.6%
Groceries	$1,060/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $18.89more	1.8%
Healthcare	$810/mo	$824/mo	↑ $14.42more	1.8%
All Utilities	$472/mo	$481/mo	↑ $8.42more	1.8%

Housing

↑ 15.1%

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$989

Other

↑ 3.6%

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$68.54

Transportation

↑ 3.6%

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$65.89

Groceries

↑ 1.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$18.89

Healthcare

↑ 1.8%

Bellevue, WA

$810

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$14.42

All Utilities

↑ 1.8%

Bellevue, WA

$472

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$8.42

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,105

To$2,180

↑ $75.00

1 Bed

From$2,178

To$2,260

↑ $82.00

2 Bed

From$2,539

To$2,630

↑ $91.00

3 Bed

From$3,319

To$3,440

↑ $121

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$1,165

Difference

Home Values

Bellevue

Seattle

$1.46M

Median Value

$808K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +42.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$1.01M - $1.63M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 45% less expensive than Bellevue

Calculate payment - Bellevue Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Seattle, 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

Additional Tax Information

Bellevue, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.