Cost of Living: Bend vs Bellevue (2026)
Bend has a 24% lower overall cost of living than Bellevue as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,900/mo in Bend vs $2,700/mo in Bellevue — a 30% difference. Bellevue has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Bend (9.9% rate).
- Bend is 24% cheaper overall (COL index: 112 vs 148)
- 1BR rent: $1,900/mo in Bend vs $2,700/mo — 30% savings
- Bellevue has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Bellevue ($115,000/yr vs $68,000/yr)
- Median home price: $580,000 in Bend vs $900,000 — 36% difference
| Category | Bend Oregon | Bellevue Washington |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,500Best | $2,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,900Best | $2,700 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,500Best | $3,700 |
| Median home price | $580KBest | $900K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 105Best | 112 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15Best | $19 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $62Best | $78 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $65Best | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.85Best | $4.20 |
| Car insurance/mo | $142Best | $155 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $125 | $120Best |
| Internet/mo | $68Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $68K | $115KBest |
| State income tax% | 9.9% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 0.0%Best | 10.2% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00Best | $17.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $48Best | $62 |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $8.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 112Best | 148 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38 | 52Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bend cheaper than Bellevue?
Yes. Bend is 24% cheaper than Bellevue based on overall cost of living indices (112 vs 148, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Bend vs Bellevue?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Bend is $1,900/month and in Bellevue is $2,700/month. Bend is cheaper by 30%.
How much do I need to earn in Bellevue to match a $75,000 salary in Bend?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $99,107/year in Bellevue to match a $75,000 salary in Bend. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Bend or Bellevue?
Bellevue has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 9.9%. Bellevue has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Bend to Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Bend offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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