Median rent is 52% lower in Bellevue ($1,202/mo vs $2,505/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bellevue, where the median home runs $230,800 versus $1,203,100. Households earn more in Bellevue ($161,300 vs $87,343 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (114.0).
City A
Bellevue, NE
City B
Bellevue, WA
How much would you need to earn in Bellevue, WA to maintain your standard of living from Bellevue, NE?
Equivalent salary in Bellevue, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Bellevue
Nebraska
Bellevue
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Bellevue — median rent of $1,202/mo versus $2,505/mo in Bellevue, a 52% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Bellevue: the median home is $1,203,100 versus $230,800 in Bellevue — 81% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Nebraska tops out at 5.84% — giving Bellevue a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.50% in Nebraska and 6.50% in Washington; Bellevue has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bellevue
Income tax: 5.84%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Bellevue
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Bellevue (avg AQI 37.0) but not yet for Bellevue.
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize higher median household income ($161,300/yr).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,202/mo median).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Bellevue cheaper than Bellevue?
Bellevue is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.0 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Bellevue.
How much is rent in Bellevue vs Bellevue?
Median rent is $1,202/mo in Bellevue, NE and $2,505/mo in Bellevue, WA. Bellevue, NE has the lower rent by about 52%.
Which has higher salaries — Bellevue or Bellevue?
Median household income is $87,343 in Bellevue, NE and $161,300 in Bellevue, WA. Bellevue, WA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Bellevue or Bellevue?
Washington has no state income tax. Nebraska has a top rate of 5.84%.
What salary do I need in Bellevue to match my Bellevue income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bellevue, NE is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Bellevue, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology