Auburn, WA vs. Bellevue, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between Auburn and Bellevue, Washington? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key differences to help you choose the Seattle suburb that best fits your budget and lifestyle in 2025. We’ll compare housing, utilities, groceries, and more to determine which city offers the most bang for your buck.
Housing Costs: Auburn Wins on Affordability
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Auburn vs Bellevue:
| Housing Type | Auburn | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $2,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $1,200,000 |
🏆 Winner: Auburn. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Auburn costs $800 less per month than in Bellevue on average. Buying a home is also significantly more affordable, with median prices for a 3-bedroom over 50% lower in Auburn.
Utilities and Energy Costs: Slight Edge to Auburn
Utility bills are fairly comparable between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, gas, and garbage in both Auburn and Bellevue for a typical household.
One advantage of Auburn is slightly lower electricity rates from Puget Sound Energy compared to Bellevue, which is served by Seattle City Light. This gives Auburn a minor edge.
🏆 Winner: Auburn, but it’s close. [Average Monthly Expenses in Auburn, WA](/auburn-wa/monthly-budget/) are about 5-10% lower for utilities than Bellevue.
Groceries and Daily Expenses: Bellevue Offers More Options
Grocery costs are similar in both cities, with major chains like Safeway, QFC, and Trader Joe’s. Restaurant prices are also comparable for casual dining.
However, Bellevue offers a wider variety of high-end grocery stores like Whole Foods and upscale dining. This means Bellevue residents may end up spending more on food by choice rather than necessity.
🏆 Winner: Bellevue, for its range of grocery and restaurant options (if you don’t mind paying a premium).
3 Surprising Cost Differences Between Auburn and Bellevue
While housing is the most obvious cost gap, a few other areas stand out:
- Car Insurance: Rates average 15% higher in Bellevue than Auburn for the same driver profile.
- Childcare: Preschool tuition and daycare fees are about $200/month steeper in Bellevue.
- Pet Care: Vet visits and dog boarding cost around 20% more in Bellevue vs Auburn.
Taxes and Fees: Property Taxes Higher in Bellevue
Washington has no state income tax, so the main tax difference is in property taxes. Bellevue’s property tax rate is about 1% vs 0.8% in Auburn. For a $750K home, that’s a $1500 difference per year.
City utility fees are marginally higher in Bellevue as well. HOA fees are a wash, typically $200-400/month in both cities when applicable.
🏆 Winner: Auburn, thanks to its lower property tax rate.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Auburn | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,850 | $2,650 |
| Utilities | $200 | $225 |
| Groceries | $500 | $600 |
| Transportation | $150 | $100 |
| Taxes | $500 | $750 |
| Misc | $400 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,600 | $4,825 |
Figures above are estimates for a 2-person household renting a 2BR apartment. See our full breakdown of the cost of living in Auburn for more details.
Lifestyle Fit: Suburbs with Different Vibes
Auburn offers a quieter, more spacious suburban feel with easier access to nature. Homes have larger lots and the city is very car-dependent.
Bellevue is a more urban suburb with high walkability in its downtown core. It has better public transit, major company HQs, and a more dynamic dining/shopping scene. But homes are 30% smaller on average than in Auburn.
FAQ
Is Auburn more affordable than Bellevue?
Yes, the cost of living is about 25% lower in Auburn than Bellevue, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Renting an apartment is around $800/month less in Auburn vs Bellevue.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Auburn home prices are roughly 50% lower than Bellevue across all housing types.
Conclusion
While both are Seattle suburbs, Auburn is significantly more affordable than Bellevue. It’s ideal for families who prioritize space and don’t mind being more car-dependent.
Bellevue suits high earners who value walkability, transit access, and urban amenities over square footage. It’s one of the priciest cities in Washington.
Ultimately, your budget and lifestyle priorities will determine which city is the better fit. Be sure to compare other key costs like the average monthly expenses in Auburn or Bellevue to get a full picture.