Median rent is 41% lower in Melbourne ($1,525/mo vs $2,572/mo). Buying is cheaper in Melbourne, where the median home runs $306,400 versus $1,340,300. Households earn more in Bellevue ($165,576 vs $66,991 a year). Taken together, Bellevue is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 112.7 against 113.7 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Bellevue, WA.
Quick verdict
Bellevue is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 112.7 in Bellevue vs 113.7 in Melbourne (US average = 100)
City A
Bellevue, WA
City B
Melbourne, FL
How much would you need to earn in Melbourne, FL to maintain your standard of living from Bellevue, WA?
Equivalent salary in Melbourne, FL
$75,635
You'd need $635 more (1% higher).
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
Washington
Melbourne
Florida
👥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 Melbourne — median rent of $1,525/mo versus $2,572/mo in Bellevue, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Bellevue: the median home is $1,340,300 versus $306,400 in Melbourne — 77% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Bellevue
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Melbourne
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Bellevue (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Melbourne.
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize higher median household income ($165,576/yr).
Pick Melbourne if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,525/mo median).
Is Bellevue cheaper than Melbourne?
Bellevue is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.7 versus 113.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Bellevue.
How much is rent in Bellevue vs Melbourne?
Median rent is $2,572/mo in Bellevue, WA and $1,525/mo in Melbourne, FL. Melbourne, FL has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Bellevue or Melbourne?
Median household income is $165,576 in Bellevue, WA and $66,991 in Melbourne, FL. 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 Melbourne?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Melbourne to match my Bellevue income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bellevue, WA is equivalent to roughly $100,846 in Melbourne, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
