Overview of Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue, WA, often referred to as the “City in a Park,” is a hub of innovation, thriving cultural scene, and upscale living.
The overall Bellevue Washington cost of living is 62% higher than the national average. Among the basic expenses, housing is the highest, 162% higher than the national average.
Next to housing expenses, healthcare is 34% higher than the national average. Transportation like bus fares and gas prices are also more expensive in Bellevue, 30% higher than the national average.
Food and groceries cost 14% higher than the national average, while utility prices are 2% higher than the national average.
Cost of Housing in Bellevue
Home values in Bellevue, WA ranges from $70,000 to $15 million. The Bellevue median home price is $1.5 million.
The average rent in Bellevue WA is $2,473 per month, 59% higher than the national average rent price of $1,559/month.
When you rent an apartment in this city, you can expect to pay around $2,145 per month for a studio, $2,473 for a one-bedroom apartment, $3,077 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $4,063 or more for a three-bedroom rental.
Utilities and Household Expenses
Utility prices in Bellevue are 2% higher than the national average.
| Utilities in Bellevue | Average Cost |
| Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85sqm. apartment | $215.91 |
| Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10gb+ data | $62.29 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $70.00 |
Transportation Costs
Transportation expenses, such as bus fares and gas prices, are 30% higher than the national average in Bellevue, WA.
Transportation in Bellevue, WA | Average Cost |
Local Transport Ticket | $2.74 |
Monthly Ticket Local Transport | $104 |
Taxi Ride (8 km / 5 miles) | $16.1 |
Gas / Petroleum (1 liter / 0.26 gallon) | $1.17 |
Food and Grocery Prices
The cost of food and groceries in Bellevue are 14% higher than the national average.
Food Items at a Restaurant | Average Cost |
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $22.50 |
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-Range Restaurant | $105.00 |
Combo Meal at a Fast-Food Restaurant | $12.00 |
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) | $8.00 |
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $8.00 |
Cappuccino (regular) | $5.55 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle) | $2.91 |
Water (0.33-liter bottle) | $2.37 |
Grocery Items | Average Cost |
Milk (1 liter) | $1.07 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $4.17 |
Eggs (regular, 12) | $5.05 |
Rice (white, 1kg) | $4.43 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | $14.87 |
Beef Round Back Leg Red Meat (1kg) | $15.76 |
Apples (1kg) | $5.14 |
Banana (1kg) | $2.25 |
Oranges (1kg) | $4.77 |
Tomato (1kg) | $4.71 |
Potato (1kg) | $2.99 |
Onion (1kg) | $3.43 |
Lettuce (1 head) | $2.50 |
Water (1.5-liter bottle) | $2.61 |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $20.00 |
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter bottle) | $2.28 |
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $3.95 |
Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare costs make up a significant part of the cost of living Bellevue WA, 34% higher than the national average.
Visit to a Medical Professional | Average Cost |
General Practitioner | $188.78 |
Dentist | $155.23 |
Optometrist | $172.91 |
Prescription Drug | $327.75 |
Veterinarian | $81.95 |
Education and Childcare Costs
Bellevue, WA, is known for its excellent school district, which has earned consistently high ratings. Students benefit from a range of options, including public schools, private schools, charter schools, and other alternative learning organizations.
Education and Childcare | Average Cost |
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | $2,145.00 |
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | $29,375.00 |
Taxes in Bellevue
Washington is a tax-friendly state. It has no state income tax so, other than the federal income taxes, residents benefit from a higher take-home pay.
Washington does, however, have a statewide 6.5% sales tax plus additional local sales or use taxes. In Bellevue, sales tax rate is 10%, which is higher than the national average of 7.3%.
Salary and Income Levels
Bellevue, WA, is home to many well-known companies, including Microsoft, T-Mobile, Nordstrom, and Amazon.
The average annual income in Bellevue is $78,118, while the US average is $37,638 a year. Bellevue median income is $140,252 a year, significantly higher than the national average of $69,021.
Future job growth over the next ten years is forecasted to be 39.9%, higher than the US average of 33.5%.
Best Neighborhoods Based on Desirability
Good news to those who are planning to move to Bellevue, WA, there are several incredible communities to choose from!
Below are some of the best neighborhoods in Bellevue:
Pros and Cons of Living in Bellevue
Known for its high quality of life, natural beauty, and prosperous economy, this bustling city has become a popular location for those looking to call the Pacific Northwest home. But, as with any city, there are both pros and cons to living in Bellevue.
Living in Bellevue, WA: Pros
Bellevue consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States because of the city’s high quality of life, top-rated schools, low crime rates, and a diverse and welcoming community.
Home to several Fortune 500 companies, Bellevue has a strong and diverse economy, with a thriving tech industry and a growing retail and hospitality sector.
The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with Lake Washington to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. It also boasts several parks and green spaces, such as Mercer Slough Nature Park and Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Bellevue’s vibrant and diverse cultural scene features various museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. It is home to the Meydenbauer Center and the Bellevue Symphony.
Hiking, skiing, boating, and fishing are some of the popular outdoor recreation opportunities in Bellevue. Residents also have access to several golf courses, tennis courts, and parks.
Bellevue is just 10 miles east of Seattle, WA, making it an easy commute for those working there. The city is also located close to major highways, making it convenient for locals to get around the region.
The Bellevue School District consistently ranks among the top school districts in the state of Washington, with high graduation rates and strong academic programs.
Living in Bellevue, WA: Cons
The cost of living in Bellevue is higher than the national average. Housing costs, in particular, can be quite expensive.
Like many cities in the region, Bellevue traffic can be a challenge, especially during rush hour.
The city has a public transit system, but it can be limited in some areas. For those who don’t own a vehicle, getting around the city and region can be challenging.
Although Bellevue is a welcoming and diverse community, some people may find that it lacks diversity compared to other cities in the region.
There are many restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in Bellevue, but the city’s nightlife scene is limited compared to some nearby cities, like Seattle.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy weather, so if you’re not a fan of rain or cloudy weather, the climate in Bellevue may be a downside.
Conclusion
Living in Bellevue, WA, can be expensive relative to other cities, but it is more than worth it considering the numerous amenities and job opportunities within the city. It offers a good balance between lifestyle and career satisfaction, making it an ideal place to live.
If you’d like to learn more about Bellevue’s real estate offerings, please give me a call today at (206) 590-6316 or email me at amanda.wright@cbrealty.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the cost of living in Bellevue, WA, is about the same as in Seattle, WA.
You would have to earn a salary of $60,000 to maintain your current standard of living in Bellevue.
Yes, Bellevue consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States because of its high quality of life, top-rated schools, low crime rates, and a diverse and welcoming community.
What are the average rent prices?
The average rent in Bellevue, WA, is $2,473 per month.
