Median rent is 20% lower in Seattle ($1,998/mo vs $2,505/mo). Buying is cheaper in Seattle, where the median home runs $912,100 versus $1,203,100. Households earn more in Bellevue ($161,300 vs $121,984 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (114.0).
City A
Bellevue, WA
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Bellevue, WA?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, 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
Washington
Seattle
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Seattle at $1,998/mo compared to $2,505/mo in Bellevue (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Bellevue: the median home is $1,203,100 versus $912,100 in Seattle — 24% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 6.50% in Washington; Seattle has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bellevue
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Seattle
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Both cities have similar air quality: Bellevue averages 37.0 AQI (Good) and Seattle averages 37.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize higher median household income ($161,300/yr).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,998/mo median).
Is Bellevue cheaper than Seattle?
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 Seattle?
Median rent is $2,505/mo in Bellevue, WA and $1,998/mo in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Bellevue or Seattle?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue, WA and $121,984 in Seattle, 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?
Seattle, WA has better air quality on average: 37.0 AQI versus 37.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Bellevue or Seattle?
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my Bellevue income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bellevue, WA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Seattle, 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