Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Boston is 30% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,093/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 20%
$94,755/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 70%
$710,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 69%
$2,176/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 19%
663,972
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $66,545/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Boston or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Bellevue?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Bellevue?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $66,545/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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