Bellevue is considered an expensive place to live in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $2,800 per month and above-average housing and grocery costs.
Is the True Cost of Living in Bellevue Higher Than You Think?
Living in Bellevue, Washington comes with a premium price tag in 2025. This upscale suburb, located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, has seen steady population growth and rising costs over the past decade. For those considering a move to Bellevue, it’s crucial to understand the true cost of living to budget accordingly and make informed decisions.
In this article, we’ll break down the monthly expenses you can expect living in Bellevue, including housing, utilities, groceries, taxes, and transportation. We’ll also discuss some lifestyle considerations and tradeoffs to keep in mind. All budget figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax dollars) to give you a clear picture of the earnings needed to afford life in Bellevue.
Housing Costs in Bellevue
Housing is the biggest expense for most Bellevue residents. The typical housing options are apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family houses. Rents and home prices vary considerably by neighborhood and property type.
For renters, a basic 2-bedroom apartment in Bellevue averages around $2,800 per month as of 2025. Prices are highest in the downtown core and waterfront areas, where luxury 2-bedroom units can exceed $4,000 monthly. More affordable options can be found in neighborhoods like Crossroads and Eastgate, but still average over $2,200 for a 2-bedroom.
Homebuyers should expect to pay a median of $1.2 million for a 3-bedroom single-family house in Bellevue. Again, prices escalate sharply in prime locations like West Bellevue, Medina, and Clyde Hill, where $2M+ is the norm. Townhomes and condos offer a slightly lower entry point, but still average around $800,000.
- Apartment rent (2-bedroom): $2,200 – $4,000+ per month
- House purchase (3-bedroom): $900,000 – $2,000,000+
- Condo purchase (2-bedroom): $600,000 – $1,200,000+
In addition to mortgage or rent, factor in property taxes (0.85% of assessed value annually) and HOA fees ($300-800 common for condos and townhomes). Utilities and insurance add more to the monthly housing overhead.
Utility Costs
Bellevue residents pay for electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and garbage collection. Utility costs are slightly higher than the national average.
Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity and gas for a 2-bedroom apartment, with seasonal spikes in winter for heating. Water, sewer, and garbage collection average $100-150 per month. For larger houses, utilities can easily exceed $400 monthly.
| Utility | Apartment (2-bed) | House (3-bed) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas | $150 – $250 | $200 – $400 |
| Water, Sewer, Garbage | $100 – $150 | $150 – $250 |
| Total | $250 – $400 | $350 – $650 |
Groceries and Food
Bellevue grocery costs are estimated at $400 per person monthly, about 10% above the national average. This covers basics from stores like QFC, Safeway, and Trader Joe’s. For example, a gallon of milk is $4, a loaf of bread is $3.50, and a dozen eggs cost $3.
Dining out adds considerably to the food budget. Expect to pay $15-20 per person for a basic meal out, $25-35 at mid-range restaurants, and $50+ at upscale establishments. A couple that eats out a few times per week should budget at least $600 per month for food in addition to groceries.
Taxes in Bellevue
Washington state has no personal income tax, which helps offset the high costs of housing. However, Bellevue residents still pay a number of other taxes:
- Sales tax: 10.1% on most purchases
- Property tax: 0.85% of assessed home value per year
- Vehicle fees: $30 car tab renewal + $75-225 RTA tax annually
- Gas tax: $0.678 per gallon (2nd highest in U.S.)
Transportation Costs
Bellevue is a car-dependent city. Expect to pay $200+ per month for gas if commuting daily. Car insurance averages $1,600 annually ($133/mo). Parking downtown is $15-20 per day.
Public transit options are improving but still limited. A monthly metro pass is $117. Ride shares and taxis are widely available but expensive ($25+ for basic trips).
Monthly Cost of Living in Bellevue
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,800 | $2,800 | $3,500 |
| Utilities | $250 | $300 | $450 |
| Groceries | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Misc (entertainment, clothes, etc) | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $3,250 | $5,200 | $7,450 |
| Comfortable Gross Income Required | $4,000+ | $6,500+ | $9,500+ |
Lifestyle Considerations
The high cost of living in Bellevue comes with tradeoffs. Residents enjoy top-notch schools, beautiful parks, low crime rates, and a thriving economy with headquarters for companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and T-Mobile.
However, traffic congestion is a major issue. The average one-way commute in Bellevue is 30 minutes. Over 70% of residents drive alone to work. Housing size and yard space is also more limited than outlying areas.
Those looking for more affordable options might consider neighboring cities like Renton, Kent, and Bothell. Newer 3-bedroom homes can be found for under $800,000 and rents are 20-30% cheaper. However, commute times are longer and school ratings slightly lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bellevue?
To afford the average 2-bedroom apartment and live a comfortable lifestyle, an individual should earn at least $4,000 per month gross (before taxes). For a couple, $6,500+ is recommended. Families will need $9,500+ to live comfortably.
Is Bellevue more expensive than Seattle?
Overall, Bellevue is slightly more expensive than Seattle. The median home price is about 10% higher and rents are 5-10% more on average. Groceries and utilities are comparable between the two cities.
What is the cheapest neighborhood in Bellevue?
The most affordable neighborhoods in Bellevue are Crossroads, Eastgate, and Lake Hills. Rents are 15-20% below the city average and older homes can be found in the $700,000s.
How much are property taxes in Bellevue?
The property tax rate in Bellevue is 0.85% of assessed value. For a home appraised at $1 million, the annual property tax would be $8,500 (about $700 per month).
Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Bellevue?
With high home prices, renting is often cheaper than buying in Bellevue, especially in the short term. Buying becomes more cost-effective after 5-7 years for those who can afford a 20% down payment and qualify for favorable mortgage rates.
What is the sales tax rate in Bellevue?
The sales tax in Bellevue is 10.1% as of 2025. This includes the 6.5% Washington state sales tax, 1.4% King County tax, and additional local taxes.
How do Bellevue living costs compare to the U.S. average?
Overall, Bellevue’s cost of living indexes at 185 compared to the U.S. average of 100. Housing is the biggest factor, at 300% of the national average. Groceries and utilities are 10-15% higher, while transportation is 30%+ more expensive.