Kent, WA vs. Bellevue, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families: the Kents and the Bellevues. Both are considering a move to the Seattle suburbs, but they’re torn between the cities of Kent and Bellevue. Let’s compare their potential monthly expenses in each location.
The Kents find a cozy 2-bedroom apartment for $1,800/month in Kent. Over in Bellevue, a similar unit runs the Bellevues $2,400/month. Advantage: Kent.
Groceries paint a different picture. The Kents spend about $800/month stocking their kitchen in Kent. The Bellevues, with access to more discount supermarkets in Bellevue, get by on just $750/month. Advantage: Bellevue.
Of course, there’s more to the cost of living than just rent and food. This article provides a comprehensive cost of living comparison between Kent and Bellevue. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two Seattle suburbs in 2025. Let’s dive in!
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in any budget. Here’s how Kent and Bellevue stack up for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Kent | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $480,000 | $1,100,000 |
🏆 Winner: Kent
Kent offers significantly lower housing costs across the board. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Kent will save you about $600/month compared to Bellevue. And if you’re in the market to buy, the median price of a 3-bedroom home in Kent is less than half that of Bellevue.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between Kent and Bellevue. Expect to pay around $150-$200/month for electricity, gas, water, and sewer in both cities.
One notable difference: winters are a bit colder in Kent, so heating bills may be slightly higher from November to February. But both cities offer “time of use” programs that provide discounts for running appliances during off-peak hours.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries will cost about 5-10% less in Bellevue than Kent, thanks to more competition among supermarkets. A gallon of milk runs about $3.50 in Bellevue compared to $3.75 in Kent.
Restaurant prices are fairly comparable, with a mid-range dinner for two costing around $60 in both cities. But Bellevue does have a wider selection of high-end dining, so foodies may end up spending a bit more.
🏆 Winner: Bellevue
Taxes and Fees
Washington state has no income tax, so you’ll keep more of your paycheck in both Kent and Bellevue. However, Bellevue has slightly higher sales tax (10.1% vs 9.5% in Kent) and property tax rates.
If you’re buying a condo or living in a planned development, also factor in HOA fees. These tend to be about 20% higher in Bellevue. In Kent, average monthly expenses often include HOA fees that cover landscaping and trash service.
🏆 Winner: Kent
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Kent | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $170 |
| Groceries | $800 | $750 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes (Property & Sales) | $400 | $600 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,780 | $4,600 |
All figures above are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax). As you can see, living in Kent will save you about $820/month compared to Bellevue, primarily due to lower housing costs.
Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost isn’t everything. Consider other lifestyle factors:
- Bellevue is more walkable and has better public transit access to Seattle. But homes are closer together with smaller yards.
- Kent offers more space for your money, but you’ll likely need a car. Traffic on I-5 can mean long commutes.
- Bellevue averages 5°F warmer than Kent in both summer and winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kent more affordable than Bellevue?
Yes, the cost of living in Kent is about 18% lower than Bellevue, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Rents in Kent are around 25% lower than comparable apartments in Bellevue.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
The median price of a home in Kent is less than half that of Bellevue, making it much more affordable for buyers.
The Bottom Line
While Bellevue has plenty to offer, Kent is the clear winner for cost-conscious families and young professionals. You’ll get more space for your dollar and keep more of your paycheck.
That said, Bellevue can be worth the premium if you value walkability, transit access, and a wider variety of dining and entertainment options. For a full picture, check out our guides on the cost of living in Kent and what you’ll really spend there in 2025.
Ultimately, both Kent and Bellevue are great places to call home. We hope this comparison helps you choose the right fit for your budget and lifestyle!