Bellingham, WA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison
Bellingham has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bellingham | Seattle | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 132 | 193 | Bellingham |
| Housing | 166 ($1,035) | 262 ($1,399) | Bellingham |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Seattle |
| Food & groceries | 88 ($361) | 163 ($668) | Bellingham |
| Utilities | 133 ($299) | 181 ($472) | Bellingham |
| Healthcare | 133 ($216) | 181 ($341) | Bellingham |
| Median annual wage | 130 ($62,990) | 130 ($62,990) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham, WA or Seattle, WA cheaper to live in?
Bellingham, WA is cheaper overall by about 61 index points (Bellingham, WA: 132, Seattle, WA: 193; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bellingham, WA vs Seattle, WA?
A single adult needs roughly $46,200/year in Bellingham, WA and $67,550/year in Seattle, WA to cover basic living costs.