Edmonds, WA vs. Bellevue, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Homebuyers could save over $500 per month on housing costs alone by choosing Edmonds over Bellevue in 2025. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Edmonds and Bellevue, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of these two Seattle suburbs.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Edmonds and Bellevue. Here’s how typical housing costs compare:
| Housing Type | Edmonds | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $850,000 | $1,400,000 |
| Mortgage Payment* | $3,825/mo | $6,300/mo |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400/mo | $3,200/mo |
*Assumes 20% down, 30-year fixed mortgage at 4.5% interest
🏆 Winner: Edmonds. Housing costs are significantly lower in Edmonds compared to Bellevue, with savings of $500-$2,400 per month depending on your housing situation.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Edmonds having a slight edge:
- Edmonds: Expect monthly utility bills around $180 for a 2BR apartment or $250 for a 3BR home.
- Bellevue: Budget $200/month for apartment utilities and $280/month for a home.
Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling costs don’t vary much. Puget Sound Energy serves both areas.
🏆 Winner: Edmonds, but only by about $30/month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are comparable in Edmonds and Bellevue. Budget around $400/month per person for groceries, plus $50-$80 per meal out.
One notable difference: gas prices tend to be $0.20-$0.40/gallon higher in Bellevue. For a two-car household, that can add up to $40/month.
🏆 Winner: Edmonds, but only for households that drive a lot. Most daily expenses are a toss-up.
Taxes and Fees
Washington has no state income tax, so the biggest tax difference is in property taxes:
- Edmonds: 0.92% property tax rate, or $7,820/year for an $850K home
- Bellevue: 0.84% property tax rate, or $11,760/year for a $1.4M home
HOA fees in Edmonds often include landscaping, while Bellevue HOAs are pricier. Budget $200-$400/month in Edmonds and $300-$600/month in Bellevue.
🏆 Winner: Edmonds. Lower home values = lower property taxes, even with a slightly higher rate.
Cost of Living in Edmonds vs Bellevue
| Category | Edmonds | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,825 | $6,300 |
| Utilities | $250 | $280 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $200 | $240 |
| Taxes | $652 | $980 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,827 | $8,700 |
Figures are estimates based on a family of 4. See our full Edmonds monthly expenses breakdown.
Lifestyle Fit
Edmonds offers more space for the money, with larger homes and yards. Bellevue is 4°F warmer on average, but gets 5″ more rain per year. Bellevue has more walkable urban villages and direct transit to Seattle. Edmonds has a small, charming downtown and a ferry to Kingston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edmonds more affordable than Bellevue?
Yes, Edmonds is more affordable than Bellevue, primarily due to lower housing costs. A typical family can expect to spend about $2,800 less per month living in Edmonds.
Which city has lower rent?
Edmonds has lower rent than Bellevue. A 2BR apartment averages $2,400/month in Edmonds compared to $3,200/month in Bellevue.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Edmonds is significantly cheaper for buying a home. The median home price is $850,000 in Edmonds and $1,400,000 in Bellevue as of 2025.
Conclusion
Edmonds is the clear winner on cost of living compared to Bellevue. Families and first-time homebuyers will find their budget goes much further in Edmonds. However, some may prefer Bellevue for its urban amenities, tech jobs, and transit access—if they can afford the higher price tag. Learn more about the full cost of living in Edmonds for 2025.