Sammamish, WA vs. Bellevue, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Smiths and the Johnsons, each considering a move to the Seattle suburbs. The Smiths rent a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Sammamish for $2,400 per month, while the Johnsons lease a similar unit in downtown Bellevue for $2,900. When the Smiths stock up on groceries, their weekly bill comes to around $180. The Johnsons pay closer to $210 for the same items at their local Bellevue market.
This real-life comparison illustrates the cost of living differences between Sammamish and Bellevue. For families relocating to the area, professionals weighing job offers, or anyone curious about the true expenses of these desirable Eastside communities, let’s break down the numbers for 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical costs compare for common housing types in Sammamish and Bellevue:
| Housing Type | Sammamish | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $2,900 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $1.4M | $1.7M |
🏆 Winner: Sammamish. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $500 less per month compared to Bellevue, while buying a typical 3-bedroom house will save around $300,000.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a bit higher in Bellevue, averaging $220 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment versus $190 in Sammamish. Both cities experience mild summers and cool, damp winters, so heating costs tend to exceed air conditioning. Puget Sound Energy, the main provider for both communities, offers cost-saving programs like free home energy assessments.
🏆 Winner: Sammamish. Expect to pay around $30 less per month for utilities in a Sammamish apartment compared to a similar unit in Bellevue.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs run about 10-15% higher in Bellevue, mainly due to pricier organic markets and specialty stores downtown. A gallon of milk averages $4.20 in Sammamish compared to $4.60 in Bellevue. Dining out is also more expensive, with a typical meal for two ranging from $70-100 in Bellevue versus $60-80 in Sammamish.
🏆 Winner: Sammamish. Weekly grocery and dining costs are more affordable, especially for larger households.
Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are comparable between the two cities at around 0.9-1.0% of assessed value annually. However, with higher home prices, Bellevue homeowners pay more in absolute terms. Both cities charge similar utility taxes and fees.
One notable difference: many Sammamish neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations with monthly dues from $50-300 that often include services like landscaping, trash, and community amenities. Downtown Bellevue has fewer single-family HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Slight edge to Sammamish. While property tax rates and city fees are similar, the lower home values in Sammamish translate to a smaller annual tax bill. HOA fees can add up but often replace other expenses.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Sammamish | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,400 | $2,900 |
| Utilities | $190 | $220 |
| Groceries | $800 | $900 |
| Transportation | $120 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $800 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,610 | $5,500 |
*Estimated monthly expenses are based on a 2-person household renting a 2BR apartment. All figures are approximate and represent gross (pre-tax) costs. See our guide to [Average Monthly Expenses in Sammamish, WA](/sammamish-wa/monthly-budget/) for more details.
Lifestyle Fit
While Sammamish offers lower living costs overall, Bellevue has its perks. Downtown Bellevue is more walkable with extensive public transit, while Sammamish is largely car-dependent. But Sammamish residents enjoy more space, less noise, and a slower pace of suburban life.
Bellevue averages 5°F warmer than Sammamish in the summer. But both cities get chilly in the winter, with average January lows around 36°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sammamish more affordable than Bellevue?
Yes, the cost of living in Sammamish is about 15-20% lower than Bellevue as of 2025, mainly due to cheaper housing, groceries, and utilities.
Which city has lower rent?
Sammamish has lower average rents, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment costing around $2,400 per month compared to $2,900 in downtown Bellevue.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices in Sammamish are roughly $300,000 lower than comparable properties in Bellevue, making it more affordable for homebuyers.
The Verdict
For most households, Sammamish offers a lower cost of living than Bellevue with potential savings of $800+ per month on housing, food, and daily expenses. Budget-conscious families, remote workers, and those who prefer a quieter suburban lifestyle will likely find Sammamish the better fit.
However, professionals commuting to Seattle or Bellevue may justify the higher costs to live closer to work and urban amenities. For a full picture, check out our [Cost of Living in Sammamish, WA: What You’ll Really Spend in 2025](/sammamish-wa/cost-overview/) guide and compare to other Seattle suburbs.