Seattle, WA vs. Bellevue, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between Seattle and Bellevue? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key factors – housing, utilities, groceries, taxes and more – to help you choose the right city for your budget and lifestyle in 2025.
Let’s start with a real-life scenario. Imagine Jenna, a 32-year old software engineer earning $8,500 per month in gross (pre-tax) income. If she rents a typical 1-bedroom in Seattle, her monthly costs might look like:
- Rent: $2,450
- Utilities: $150
- Groceries: $400
- Transportation: $100
- Misc: $500
Her total monthly expenses in Seattle? Around $3,600. Now, if Jenna opts for a similar setup in Bellevue instead, the numbers shift:
- Rent: $2,700 (+$250)
- Utilities: $180 (+$30)
- Groceries: $450 (+$50)
- Transportation: $150 (+$50)
- Misc: $500 (same)
In Bellevue, Jenna’s monthly total jumps to $3,980 – that’s $380 more than in Seattle. Of course, these are simplified examples. Let’s dive into the details and see how the two cities really stack up.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest line item in most budgets. Here’s how typical costs compare for Seattle vs Bellevue:
| Housing Type | Seattle | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment | $2,450 | $2,700 |
| 2BR Apartment | $3,100 | $3,400 |
| 3BR House | $4,500 | $5,200 |
🏆 Winner: Seattle. Rents and mortgages tend to be 10-15% lower in Seattle compared to Bellevue.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for a 1-2 person household, with winter heating bills pushing costs to the higher end.
Both cities offer “time of use” programs that discount electricity during off-peak hours. Taking advantage of these can help trim 10-20% off your monthly bill.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical in Seattle and Bellevue.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries will run you about 10% more in Bellevue compared to Seattle. A gallon of milk averages $4.50 in Seattle and $5 in Bellevue, for example.
Dining out follows a similar pattern. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Seattle typically costs around $80, while in Bellevue you’re looking at closer to $90.
🏆 Winner: Seattle. Expect to spend 10-15% less on groceries and dining out in Seattle vs Bellevue.
Taxes and Fees
Washington has no state income tax, so that’s one less thing to budget for in either city. However, Bellevue’s property taxes are about 10% higher than Seattle’s (1.1% vs 1.0% of assessed value).
If you’re buying a condo or living in a neighborhood with an HOA, factor in an extra $200-400 per month in Bellevue. Seattle HOA fees are generally lower, in the $100-300 range.
🏆 Winner: Seattle. Lower property taxes and HOA fees give Seattle the edge.
Cost of Living in Seattle vs Bellevue Summary
| Category | Seattle | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1BR Rent) | $2,450 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $150 | $180 |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 |
| Transportation | $100 | $150 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,600 | $3,980 |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Seattle and Bellevue. Also consider:
- Commute: Bellevue offers an easier commute to major employers like Microsoft and Amazon.
- Walkability: Seattle is more pedestrian-friendly, while Bellevue is more car-dependent.
- Space: Your housing dollar goes further in Bellevue in terms of square footage.
- Climate: Both cities have similar climates, with mild temperatures and frequent overcast days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Seattle more affordable than Bellevue?
A: Yes, the cost of living is around 10% lower in Seattle compared to Bellevue, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rents are typically 10-15% lower in Seattle vs Bellevue for comparable apartments.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Seattle homes are usually 10-20% less expensive than equivalent properties in Bellevue.
The Bottom Line
While Bellevue has its perks, Seattle comes out ahead in this cost of living showdown. Cheaper housing, lower taxes, and more affordable groceries make it the budget-friendly choice for most lifestyles.
Of course, the right choice for you depends on your unique needs and priorities. Be sure to check out our other cost of living breakdowns for major cities in Washington:
- Sample Monthly Budgets for Seattle in 2025
- Cost of Living in Seattle – Housing, Groceries, Taxes & More