Is Bellevue, WA cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Bellevue, WA is 3.5% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $260 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $146,876.975 in Bellevue, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Bellevue, WA is 13.1% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Bellevue, WA could save you approximately $260 per month, or $3123 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Seattle, WA vs Bellevue, 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 Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $260/month moving to Bellevue, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.9K in Bellevue, WA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$260

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$808K

Bellevue, WA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$1.46M

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

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Seattle, WA vs Bellevue, WA

Category	Seattle, WA	Bellevue, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,536/mo	$6,547/mo	↓ $989less	13.1%
Other	$1,975/mo	$1,907/mo	↓ $68.54less	3.5%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,833/mo	↓ $65.89less	3.5%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,060/mo	↓ $18.89less	1.8%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$810/mo	↓ $14.42less	1.8%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$472/mo	↓ $8.42less	1.8%

Housing

↓ 13.1%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

Difference

$989

less

Other

↓ 3.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

Difference

$68.54

less

Transportation

↓ 3.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

Difference

$65.89

less

Groceries

↓ 1.8%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

Difference

$18.89

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.8%

Seattle, WA

$824

Bellevue, WA

$810

Difference

$14.42

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.8%

Seattle, WA

$481

Bellevue, WA

$472

Difference

$8.42

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$2,105

↓ $75.00

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,178

↓ $82.00

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,539

↓ $91.00

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$3,319

↓ $121

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$12,629

Monthly in Bellevue, WA

$1,165

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Bellevue

$808K

Median Value

$1.46M

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.9%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$1.01M - $1.63M

Homes in Bellevue are 81% more expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Bellevue

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Bellevue, 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.