Is Bellevue expensive to live in?

Bellevue is considered expensive, with a cost index of 169 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 69% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $2,582, and the median household income is $161,300.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bellevue?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $103,280/year to afford median rent in Bellevue. The median household income is $161,300, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 19%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Bellevue?

The median rent in Bellevue is $2,582 per month. Housing costs score 273 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 173% more expensive than the US average.

How does Bellevue compare to the national average cost of living?

Bellevue's overall cost index is 169 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (273), food & groceries (166), transportation (161), utilities (156), and healthcare (174). Bellevue is above average in most categories.

Is Bellevue, Washington a good place to live?

Bellevue has a population of 151,574 and a median household income of $161,300. With a cost index of 169, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 19%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Bellevue?

To find the most affordable cities near Bellevue in Washington, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Washington state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

Home/Washington/Bellevue

Washington

Bellevue

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

Compare city

Cost index: 169

Median rent: $2,582

Median income: $161,300

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

Population

Median Income

Median Rent

$0/mo

12mo Trend

About Bellevue

Living in Bellevue, Washington

Bellevue, Washington is a growing city with a population of approximately 151,574. The overall cost of living index sits at 169, which is significantly above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 69% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Bellevue. Median rent is $2,582 per month, while the median home price is $1,485,210. At a median household income of $161,300, rent consumes roughly 19% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 273 highlights significantly elevated shelter costs.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Bellevue with a sub-index of 174, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 156. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Washington applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.84% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 10.60%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Bellevue has remained relatively stable. Among the 8 tracked cities in Washington, Bellevue ranks #8 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Bellevue actually costs.

City Intelligence Overview