Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Seattle is 54% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,998/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 25%
$121,984/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 32%
$912,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 32%
$2,220/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 16%
741,440
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $39,316/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Seattle or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Bellevue?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Bellevue?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $39,316/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Washington?
Both cities are in Washington and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Bellevue details →