Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Philadelphia is 66% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,323/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 89%
$60,698/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 166%
$232,400 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 418%
$1,233/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 110%
1,582,432
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,182/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $14,184/year.

Median household income is $100,602/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Bellevue?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,182/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Bellevue?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $100,602/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Washington?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
View Philadelphia details → View Bellevue details →

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