The Urban Powerhouse
Seattle
Pop. 750,000+ | Urban Core | Amazon HQ | Arts & Culture Capital
The Eastside Titan
Bellevue
Pop. 155,000+ | Suburban Feel | Microsoft/Meta | #1 Schools
Two Titans of the Puget Sound
Seattle and Bellevue represent the two powerhouse approaches to Pacific Northwest living. Seattle offers gritty urban authenticity, world-class culture, and Amazon's global headquarters. Bellevue delivers polished suburban excellence, top-ranked schools, and the Microsoft/Meta tech corridor. Both are expensive in different ways. Both offer incredible opportunities. Your choice comes down to lifestyle, family needs, and what "home" means to you.
The Scoreboard
Head-to-head comparison across key categories
Seattle delivers true urban density with walkable neighborhoods. Bellevue offers a more suburban, car-oriented lifestyle despite downtown growth.
Both are expensive, but Bellevue's median home price is nearly double. Seattle offers more diverse price ranges across neighborhoods.
Seattle hosts Amazon, Google, and more diverse industries. Bellevue has Microsoft, Meta, T-Mobile, and growing tech presence.
Seattle dominates with live music venues, theaters, museums, and diverse bar scenes. Bellevue offers upscale dining but limited nightlife.
Bellevue has 5x lower violent crime rate (1.4 vs 7.5 per 1,000). Seattle has seen increased property crime and visible homelessness.
Bellevue School District ranks #1 in Washington with 68% math proficiency. Seattle has excellent magnet schools but higher variability.
Seattle has extensive Link Light Rail, bus network, and streetcars. Bellevue improving with East Link opening 2026, but still car-dependent.
Seattle offers more diverse neighborhoods and cultural communities. Bellevue has growing Asian population but less overall diversity.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Interactive data visualizations comparing key metrics
Cost of Living Breakdown
Quality of Life Comparison
Population & Growth
Crime Rate Comparison (per 1,000)
Best For...
Lifestyle recommendations based on who you are
Winner
Seattle
Best for Singles & Young Professionals
- Vibrant nightlife in Capitol Hill, Fremont, Ballard
- Walkable neighborhoods without a car
- More apartment options at various price points
- Live music, comedy clubs, late-night dining
Winner
Bellevue
Best for Families with Kids
- #1 ranked school district in Washington State
- 5x lower violent crime rate than Seattle
- Excellent parks and family-friendly amenities
- Quieter, suburban neighborhoods with larger homes
For Amazon/Google
Seattle
Amazon & Google Workers
- Walk or bike to Amazon HQ in South Lake Union
- Google's Seattle campus in Fremont
- No cross-lake commute required
- Tech startup ecosystem and networking
For Microsoft/Meta
Bellevue
Microsoft & Meta Workers
- Minutes from Microsoft Redmond campus
- Meta's growing Bellevue presence
- T-Mobile HQ and other Eastside employers
- Avoid toll bridges and traffic stress
Neighborhood Deep Dive
Where to live in each city
Seattle Neighborhoods
Capitol Hill
LGBTQ+ hub, nightlife central, walkable, diverse dining. Best for: Singles, creatives.
Ballard
Nordic heritage, craft breweries, farmers market, waterfront. Best for: Young families, foodies.
Queen Anne
Iconic views, charming homes, Space Needle proximity. Best for: Couples, professionals.
Green Lake
Active lifestyle, running/biking trails, family-friendly. Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts.
Bellevue Neighborhoods
Downtown Bellevue
High-rise living, upscale shopping, restaurants. Best for: Urban professionals.
West Bellevue
Lake views, luxury estates, waterfront access. Best for: Executives, established families.
Somerset
Hilltop homes, mountain views, top schools. Best for: Families with kids.
Crossroads
Diverse community, international food, affordable. Best for: Budget-conscious families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Seattle vs Bellevue
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