Bothell, WA vs. Renton, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more bang for your buck: Bothell or Renton? If you’re deciding between these two Seattle suburbs, comparing the cost of living is key. This article breaks down housing, utilities, groceries, taxes and more to help you choose the most affordable fit for your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Bothell and Renton. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare:
| Housing Type | Bothell | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $950,000 | $800,000 |
🏆 Winner: Renton. You’ll pay around 12% less for an apartment and 16% less for a home in Renton compared to Bothell.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Renton coming out slightly ahead:
- Bothell: Expect around $180/month for a 2BR apartment
- Renton: Budget about $160/month for the same
Both have similar climates, so seasonal heating and cooling needs are comparable. Renton’s utility rates are just a touch lower across electric, water, and waste.
🏆 Winner: Renton, but only by about $20/month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Bothell and Renton. Expect to pay around $400/month per person for food, household items, and basic necessities in either city.
Eating out is also comparable, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant running about $70 in both places. Daily expenses like gas, childcare, and entertainment don’t differ much.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Your grocery and daily living costs will be roughly the same in Bothell and Renton.
4. Taxes and Fees
Washington has no state income tax, so that’s even across the board. But there are some differences in other taxes:
- Property Tax: Bothell’s rate is 0.89%, while Renton’s is 0.92%
- Sales Tax: Bothell charges 10.2% vs Renton’s 10.1%
- Vehicle Tabs: About $200/year in Bothell, $180 in Renton
HOA fees are also worth comparing if you’re buying a home. In Bothell, they typically run $200-400/month and often include exterior maintenance and landscaping. Renton HOAs are slightly lower at $150-350/month on average.
🏆 Winner: Renton. While the differences are minor, Renton comes out a bit ahead on taxes and fees.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Bothell | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Housing | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| 🔌 Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| 🍎 Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| 🚗 Transportation | $100 | $95 |
| 💸 Taxes | 0.89% property tax 10.2% sales tax | 0.92% property tax 10.1% sales tax |
| 💰 Misc Costs | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,380 | $3,055 |
Overall, the cost of living is about 10% lower in Renton than Bothell, mainly due to cheaper housing. For a typical household, that could mean saving $300-400 per month on expenses.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost isn’t the only factor in choosing where to live. Bothell and Renton each have their own vibe:
- Bothell has a quaint, small-town feel with more space and quieter neighborhoods. It’s great for families who prioritize room to spread out.
- Renton is more walkable and transit-oriented, with a vibrant downtown. It appeals to young professionals who want easy access to city amenities.
Both are close enough to Seattle for an easy commute. And while Bothell is a bit farther out, it’s also greener and more serene. Renton averages 5°F warmer than Bothell in the summer months.
7. FAQs
Q: Is Bothell more affordable than Renton?
A: No, Renton is about 10% cheaper than Bothell overall, especially when it comes to housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Renton. On average, you’ll pay $300 less per month for a 2BR apartment compared to Bothell.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Also Renton. Expect to pay around $150,000 less for a typical 3BR house.
8. The Bottom Line
So, which city should you choose? It depends on your priorities:
- If budget is your main concern, Renton is the clear winner. You’ll get more affordable housing and slightly lower taxes and utilities.
- If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a quieter, roomier lifestyle, Bothell may be worth the extra cost.
Ultimately, both are great places to call home. For more details, check out our sample monthly budgets for Bothell and full cost of living breakdown to see how your expenses might shake out in each city.