Is Washington, DC cheaper than Bellevue, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 8.5% cheaper than Bellevue, WA. This translates to saving $634 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellevue, WA, you'd need approximately $142,393.977 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bellevue, WA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 5.1% cheaper than in Bellevue, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA.

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

Moving from Bellevue, WA to Washington, DC could save you approximately $634 per month, or $7606 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bellevue, WA vs Washington, DC: 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 $634/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$634

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$556K

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!

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bellevue, WA vs Washington, DC

Category	Bellevue, WA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,547/mo	$6,211/mo	↓ $336less	5.1%
Healthcare	$810/mo	$632/mo	↓ $178less	21.9%
Other	$1,907/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $82.12less	4.3%
Transportation	$1,833/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $52.23more	2.8%
All Utilities	$472/mo	$508/mo	↑ $35.74more	7.6%
Groceries	$1,060/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $18.89more	1.8%

Housing

↓ 5.1%

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$336

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.9%

Bellevue, WA

$810

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$178

less

Other

↓ 4.3%

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$82.12

less

Transportation

↑ 2.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$52.23

All Utilities

↑ 7.6%

Bellevue, WA

$472

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$35.74

Groceries

↑ 1.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$18.89

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,105

To$2,150

↑ $45.00

1 Bed

From$2,178

To$2,215

↑ $37.00

2 Bed

From$2,539

To$2,470

↓ $69.00

3 Bed

From$3,319

To$3,115

↓ $204

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$489

Difference

Home Values

Bellevue

Washington

$1.46M

Median Value

$556K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +42.9%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$1.01M - $1.63M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 62% less expensive than Bellevue

Calculate payment - Bellevue Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $11.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$929

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Bellevue, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.