Everett, WA vs. Bellevue, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Everetts and the Bellevues, each considering a move to the city that shares their name. The Everetts, renting a 2-bedroom apartment, might pay around $1,800 per month. The Bellevues, in a similar Bellevue apartment, could expect to pay closer to $2,600. That’s nearly a $10,000 difference in housing costs alone over a year.
Of course, rent is just one piece of the puzzle. This article provides a comprehensive cost of living comparison between Everett and Bellevue. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in these two cities in 2025.
Housing Costs: Everett vs Bellevue
| Housing Type | Everett | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $2,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $1,100,000 |
🏆 Winner: Everett
Housing costs are significantly lower in Everett compared to Bellevue. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Everett saves around $800 per month, while buying a home in Everett vs Bellevue could save over half a million dollars on the purchase price alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, with both served by Puget Sound Energy. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity and gas in a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs rising to $250 or more in a larger home. Both cities have relatively mild climates, so heating and cooling costs are moderate compared to other parts of the country.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items cost about the same in Everett and Bellevue, as both are served by major chains like Safeway, QFC, and Trader Joe’s. Eating out is somewhat more expensive in Bellevue, where entrees at a nice restaurant might average $30-40, compared to $20-30 in Everett.
The Everetts, a family of three, might spend around $600 per month on groceries, while the Bellevues could expect to pay closer to $800 for their family of four. Add in dining out twice a week, and the Bellevues are looking at nearly $300 more in food costs alone.
🏆 Winner: Everett
Taxes and Fees
Washington State has no income tax, so the biggest tax bill for most residents is property tax. Property tax rates are slightly higher in Everett at 1.06% vs 0.96% in Bellevue. However, with Bellevue’s much higher home prices, the typical Bellevue homeowner still pays significantly more in property taxes each year.
Both cities also charge utility taxes and franchise fees on electricity, water, sewer, and garbage. These fees add about 10-15% to utility bills in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Everett
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Everett | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,800 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $600 | $800 |
| Transportation | $100 | $100 |
| Taxes (Property Tax on Median Home) | $486 | $880 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total (Pre-Tax) | $3,666 | $5,260 |
Lifestyle Fit: Everett vs Bellevue
While Everett is clearly the more affordable city, cost isn’t everything. Bellevue offers a more urban, walkable downtown with high-end shopping and dining. It’s also closer to major employers like Microsoft and Amazon. Bellevue’s average commute time is 10 minutes shorter each way compared to Everett.
On the other hand, Everett provides more space for the money, with larger homes and yards. It also has easier access to outdoor recreation, with the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound nearby. Everett gets about 4 inches more rain per year than Bellevue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Everett more affordable than Bellevue?
A: Yes, Everett is significantly more affordable than Bellevue, especially when it comes to housing costs. The estimated monthly pre-tax cost of living is about $1,600 lower in Everett.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Everett has much lower rent prices than Bellevue. A typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,800 per month in Everett, compared to $2,600 in Bellevue.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Everett has significantly lower home prices than Bellevue. The median price for a 3-bedroom house is around $550,000 in Everett, while a similar home in Bellevue costs about twice as much at $1.1 million.
The Bottom Line
For those prioritizing affordability, Everett is the clear winner in this cost of living faceoff. A household moving from Bellevue to Everett could easily save over $1,500 per month on housing and other expenses. However, Bellevue remains appealing for its strong job market, urban amenities, and excellent schools – for those who can afford the premium to live there.
Considering other cities in Washington? Check out our cost of living comparisons for Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and more.