Redmond, WA vs. Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Seattle area? This cost of living comparison between Redmond and Seattle will help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll break down housing, utilities, groceries, and more to determine where your money goes further.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Redmond vs Seattle:
| Housing Type | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $1.1M | $950K |
🏆 Winner: Redmond has cheaper apartment rents, while Seattle offers lower home prices.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect utility bills to fall in these ranges, assuming a 1,000 sq ft apartment:
- Redmond: $120-180/month
- Seattle: $140-200/month
Seattle’s dense urban environment and older housing stock can mean slightly higher energy costs. Both cities have similar climates, so seasonal swings are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Redmond
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are similar in Redmond and Seattle, with Redmond coming in about 5% cheaper on average. Eating out is more affordable in Redmond too, especially for casual dining.
🏆 Winner: Redmond
Taxes and Fees
A few key differences:
- Redmond has lower property tax rates: 0.92% vs Seattle’s 1.01%
- Seattle charges a 0.15% city tax on gross income
- Many Redmond neighborhoods have HOA fees of $200-400/month
🏆 Winner: It depends – lower property taxes favor Redmond homeowners, while Seattle wins for most renters.
Cost of Living in Redmond vs Seattle: Summary
| Category | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $150 | $170 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes | $600 | $800 |
| Misc | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,900 | $4,570 |
Note: Figures above are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a typical household.
Lifestyle Fit
Redmond offers more space, quieter neighborhoods, and easier parking. But Seattle boasts better walkability, public transit, and urban amenities. Redmond is sunnier on average, while Seattle is 4°F cooler in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redmond more affordable than Seattle?
Yes, Redmond has a lower overall cost of living. Housing and food costs are the biggest factors.
Which city has cheaper rent?
Redmond’s median rent is about 15% lower than Seattle’s. See our guide on how much it costs to live in Redmond each month.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Seattle’s median home price is about $150,000 less than Redmond’s. But Redmond has lower property taxes, which can offset that difference for some buyers.
The Verdict
Redmond comes out ahead on overall affordability, especially for renters. A household moving from Seattle to Redmond could easily save $500+/month. But Seattle still wins for urban lovers who prioritize walkability and don’t mind downsizing.
Of course, everyone’s budget is unique. For a full breakdown of Redmond living costs, check out our detailed guide to the real cost of living in Redmond in 2025.