Bellevue
Tech hub. Top schools. Suburban luxury with urban amenities.
Seattle
Urban culture. Diverse neighborhoods. Walkable city living.
Bellevue vs Seattle:
The 2026 Comparison Guide
Choosing between Bellevue and Seattle is one of the biggest decisions for anyone moving to the Puget Sound region. Both cities offer distinct lifestyles, communities, and opportunities. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your family.
Cost of Living
Understanding the true cost of living in each city helps you plan your move and budget effectively.
Bellevue
Cost of Living Index: 187.4- Median Home Price $1,500,000
- 1BR Rent (Avg) $2,800/mo
- Groceries +15% vs national
- Utilities $180/mo avg
Seattle
Cost of Living Index: 172.3- Median Home Price $920,000
- 1BR Rent (Avg) $2,200/mo
- Groceries +12% vs national
- Utilities $165/mo avg
Schools & Education
School quality is often the deciding factor for families. Here's how the districts compare.
Bellevue Schools
#1 in WA- 68% math proficiency (vs 41% state avg)
- Top high schools: Bellevue, Interlake, Newport
- Excellent IB and AP programs
- Strong tech education partnerships
- 94% graduation rate
Seattle Schools
- Highly variable by neighborhood
- Top schools: Garfield, Roosevelt, Ballard
- Strong arts and music programs
- More diverse student populations
- 83% graduation rate
Top Neighborhoods
Each city offers distinct neighborhoods with unique character, amenities, and price points.
B Bellevue Neighborhoods
West Bellevue / Medina
Ultra-luxury homes, waterfront estates, highest prices in the region. Home to tech billionaires.
$3M - $100M+Downtown Bellevue
High-rise condos, walkable urban living, excellent restaurants and shopping.
$600K - $3MSomerset / Newport Hills
Established family neighborhoods, excellent schools, parks, and community feel.
$1.2M - $3MCrossroads
Most diverse area, international food scene, more affordable entry point.
$700K - $1.2MS Seattle Neighborhoods
Capitol Hill
Vibrant nightlife, LGBTQ+ friendly, walkable, historic architecture.
$500K - $1.5MQueen Anne
Stunning views, charming streets, near Seattle Center. Upper and Lower sections.
$700K - $2.5MBallard
Nordic heritage, craft breweries, farmer's market, hip restaurants.
$600K - $1.8MWest Seattle
Beach access, strong community feel, slightly more affordable.
$550K - $1.5MSafety & Commute
Crime Rate Comparison (per 1,000 residents)
Safety
Bellevue WinsBellevue consistently ranks among the safest cities in Washington, while Seattle has experienced increases in property crime and visible homelessness, particularly downtown.
Commute
DependsStarting April 2026, the Link Light Rail will connect downtown Bellevue to downtown Seattle in approximately 25 minutes with no traffic variability - a game-changer for commuters.
Job Market & Economy
B Bellevue Employers
Bellevue has become a major tech hub, particularly for companies wanting Eastside presence. Many tech workers can walk or bike to work.
S Seattle Employers
Seattle offers more industry diversity including healthcare, maritime, manufacturing, and creative industries alongside tech.
Lifestyle & Culture
Bellevue Lifestyle
- Excellent parks: Bellevue Downtown Park, Mercer Slough
- Upscale shopping: Bellevue Square, The Shops at The Bravern
- Fine dining and international cuisine
- Car-dependent but improving with light rail
- Quieter nightlife, family-oriented
Seattle Lifestyle
- Vibrant music scene, birthplace of grunge
- World-class arts: SAM, MOHAI, theaters
- Pro sports: Seahawks, Mariners, Kraken
- Walkable neighborhoods, good transit
- Active nightlife, craft beer scene
Pros & Cons
B Bellevue Pros
- #1 ranked schools in Washington State
- Significantly lower crime rates
- Clean, well-maintained city
- Excellent parks and outdoor spaces
- Strong tech job market
- Upscale amenities and dining
Bellevue Cons
- Much higher housing costs
- Less cultural diversity (improving)
- Car-dependent until light rail opens
- Quieter nightlife scene
- Can feel "sterile" to some
S Seattle Pros
- More affordable housing options
- Walkable urban neighborhoods
- Vibrant arts, music, and culture
- Greater diversity and energy
- Better public transit
- More dining and nightlife options
Seattle Cons
- Higher crime rates, especially property crime
- Visible homelessness in some areas
- Schools vary widely by neighborhood
- Traffic congestion
- Grey weather can affect mood
Which City is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue If You...
- Have school-age children and prioritize education
- Work in tech on the Eastside (Microsoft, Meta)
- Prioritize safety and a clean environment
- Prefer suburban living with urban amenities
- Have a budget of $1.5M+ for housing
- Want access to outdoor recreation
Choose Seattle If You...
- Are a young professional seeking urban energy
- Work downtown or don't want to commute
- Value walkability and public transit
- Love arts, music, and nightlife
- Seek more diverse communities
- Want more affordable housing options
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes for families prioritizing schools and safety. Bellevue offers the #1 ranked school district in Washington State with 68% math proficiency, significantly lower crime rates, and more family-oriented suburban neighborhoods. However, Seattle offers more cultural diversity, walkable neighborhoods, and access to museums, theaters, and urban experiences that many families value. The "better" choice depends on your family's specific priorities.
Yes, Bellevue is generally more expensive. Median home prices in Bellevue ($1.5M) exceed Seattle ($920K) by roughly 60%. Rent in Bellevue averages $2,800/month for a 1-bedroom versus $2,200 in Seattle. However, premium Seattle neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, or Madison Park can match or exceed Bellevue prices. Both cities benefit from no state income tax.
Off-peak driving takes 15-25 minutes via I-90 (free) or SR-520 (tolled). During rush hour, expect 45-70+ minutes. Starting April 2026, the Link Light Rail will connect downtown Bellevue to downtown Seattle in approximately 25 minutes with no traffic variability - this is a game-changer for commuters. The 520 bridge has tolls ranging from $2.25 to $6.55 depending on time of day.
Yes, Bellevue has significantly lower crime rates. Bellevue's violent crime rate is about 1.4 per 1,000 residents versus Seattle's 7.5 per 1,000. Property crime in Bellevue is approximately 23 per 1,000 compared to Seattle's 52 per 1,000. Seattle has experienced increases in property crime, car break-ins, and visible homelessness, particularly in downtown and certain neighborhoods like Pioneer Square and parts of Capitol Hill.
Both cities offer excellent job opportunities but in different concentrations. Bellevue is home to Microsoft, Meta, Amazon satellite offices, T-Mobile, and numerous tech startups - making it ideal for tech workers. Seattle hosts Amazon HQ, Google, Boeing, Starbucks HQ, and more diverse industries including healthcare (UW Medicine, Swedish), maritime, manufacturing, and creative industries. Tech workers may find more opportunities on the Eastside, while those in other fields may prefer Seattle's diversity.
Top Bellevue neighborhoods include West Bellevue/Medina (luxury waterfront), Downtown Bellevue (urban living), Somerset (established families), and Crossroads (diverse, affordable). Top Seattle neighborhoods include Capitol Hill (vibrant, walkable), Queen Anne (views, charm), Ballard (Nordic heritage, breweries), Green Lake (active lifestyle), and West Seattle (beach access, community feel). The best neighborhood depends on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and whether you prioritize walkability, schools, or specific amenities.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you're moving to Bellevue, Seattle, or anywhere in Washington State, Next Phase Moving provides premium relocation services to make your transition seamless.