55
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
54
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Bellevue wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Bellevue wins 2–1 overall (55/100)
💰 Seattle is more affordable
💼 Seattle has lower unemployment
📋 Bellevue vs Seattle — The Verdict
Bellevue scores 55.5/100 compared to Seattle's 54.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Seattle has a clear edge with home prices 23% lower. Seattle may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Seattle are 23% lower — a difference of $259,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Seattle saves you $477/month — that's $5,724 per year.
💵
Households in Bellevue earn $33,483 more per year (29% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$1,139,500
$879,900
Median Rent /mo
$2,422
$1,945
Median Income
$149,551
$116,068
The affordability gap is significant — Seattle offers home prices 23% lower than Bellevue, translating to $259,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
30 Good
0
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
14
14
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Bellevue to Seattle: Common Questions
Is Bellevue or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is more affordable overall. Home prices are $259,600 lower in Seattle. Monthly rent is $1,945 in Seattle vs $2,422 in Bellevue.
Does Bellevue or Seattle have better weather?
Seattle scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Bellevue or Seattle better for finding a job?
Seattle currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.7% in Bellevue vs 4.7% in Seattle. Median household income is $149,551 in Bellevue and $116,068 in Seattle.
Which city is safer — Bellevue or Seattle?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Seattle is safer. Bellevue has had 14 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Seattle. Bellevue scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Seattle.
Should I move from Bellevue to Seattle?
Based on our data, Bellevue scores 55.5/100 vs Seattle's 54.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Seattle is more affordable, while Seattle has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.