If you are looking at the Greater Seattle map and trying to find the "sweet spot" between affordability and lifestyle, you have almost certainly circled Bothell. As of early 2026, Bothell remains one of the most unique markets in the region because it literally straddles the line between King County and Snohomish County. That geography isn't just trivia—it directly impacts your tax bill, your commute, and your total cost of living.

Living here isn't exactly cheap, but the market has stabilized compared to the frantic peaks of previous years. The main draw for most buyers and renters is value. While you might pay a premium compared to living further north in Everett, Bothell typically offers significantly more square footage and land for your dollar than you would find in Bellevue or Kirkland. It is a balancing act, and understanding the numbers before you move is the best way to make sure your budget stays on track.

Housing Costs: The Biggest Line Item

Let's look at the real estate landscape. Housing is going to be your largest monthly expense, and while high interest rates have cooled the bidding wars of the past, prices here have settled into a "new normal" rather than dropping off a cliff.

Buying a Home If you are looking at Bothell homes for sale, you should expect median prices to hover in the $1.0M to $1.1M range. Inventory has increased year-over-year, which gives buyers a little more breathing room to make decisions, but turnkey homes in popular neighborhoods like Canyon Park or North Creek still see competition. You generally get more house here than on the Eastside, but the days of finding a detached single-family home for under $800,000 are largely behind us unless you are looking at fixer-uppers or smaller footprints.

Renting The rental market has plateaued, which is good news for tenants. Rents haven't spiked drastically in the last 12 months, but they aren't dropping much either.

• Average Rent: ~$2,240/month
• 1-Bedroom: ~$1,950/month
• 2-Bedroom: ~$2,400/month

The neighborhood matters here. If you want one of the newer Bothell condos or apartments in the walkable Downtown Bothell area, you will pay a premium for the amenities and location. Moving further out toward Thrasher’s Corner usually gets you a bit more space for the same price.

HOA Fees & Hidden Housing Costs

One expense that often catches newcomers off guard is the Homeowners Association (HOA) fee. Because so much of Bothell’s housing inventory consists of planned developments built in the last 20 to 30 years, it is actually difficult to find a home that doesn't have an HOA.

Most newer construction in areas like Canyon Park includes these fees. They cover common area maintenance and neighborhood aesthetics, but they are a mandatory monthly line item that impacts your mortgage qualification and monthly cash flow.

• Single-Family Homes: Typically $50 – $150/month.
• Townhomes: Typically $150 – $400/month (often covers exterior maintenance).
• Condos: Typically $300 – $700+/month. (Note: Older buildings often have higher dues to cover reserve funds for repairs).

Taxes: The King County vs. Snohomish County Split

This is the most technical part of living in Bothell, but also the most important for your wallet. Because the city sits in two counties, your neighbor across the street might be paying different taxes than you are.

Sales Tax Regardless of which side of the line you are on, sales tax is high. You can expect to pay around 10.3% on the King County side and roughly 10.5% to 10.6% on the Snohomish County side (near the Mill Creek border). It’s a significant chunk of change on big purchases like cars or appliances.

Property Tax The effective property tax rate is generally around 1.0% of the assessed value in both counties. However, homes on the King County side often have higher assessed values than comparable homes on the Snohomish side. This means that even if the rate is similar, your total annual bill might be higher in King County. On a $1,000,000 home, you should budget roughly $10,000 a year in property taxes.

The Good News Washington State has no state income tax. For high earners or dual-income households, this savings often outweighs the higher property and sales taxes.

Utility Bills: What to Expect in 2026

If you are moving from an apartment to a single-family home, prepare for your utility costs to jump. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provides electricity and gas to the area, and they have implemented significant rate hikes in 2025 and 2026.

Heating is the budget killer here. During the damp, chilly winters, gas or electric bills for a standard house can easily exceed $220 per month. Water and sewer bills are also surprisingly high in this region and are often billed bi-monthly, which can lead to "bill shock" if you aren't expecting a $300 invoice every other month.

Monthly Estimates (Apt/Small Home)

• Total Basic Utilities: ~$200 – $250/month
• Internet: ~$70 – $80/month (Competition between Xfinity and Ziply Fiber helps keep this reasonable).

Transportation: The Cost of Commuting

Unless you work remotely, getting around is going to cost you. Bothell is a commuter hub, and while the location is central, the infrastructure charges for it.

The I-405 Toll Lanes Commuting to Bellevue or Redmond via I-405 is the most common route. The Express Toll Lanes use dynamic pricing, meaning the price goes up as traffic gets worse. During peak rush hour, a one-way trip can cost up to $15.00. If you commute daily during peak times, this can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly budget.

Gas and Car Tabs Washington consistently has some of the highest gas prices in the country, hovering around $4.00 to $4.40 per gallon in early 2026. Furthermore, because Bothell is within the Sound Transit district, you will pay the RTA tax on your car registration (car tabs). This tax is based on the MSRP of your vehicle, so if you drive a brand-new car or a Tesla, your annual registration could be several hundred dollars higher than you expect.

Public Transit If you want to skip the driving costs, Sound Transit and Community Transit offer reliable bus service. A regional ORCA pass costs around $100/month and covers most bus and light rail options.

Childcare & Healthcare Expenses

For households with children, childcare is often the second largest expense after housing. The Greater Seattle area, including Bothell, has a shortage of spots and high labor costs, driving prices up.

Waitlists are common for reputable centers. If you are planning a move, it is smart to get on lists as early as possible.

• Full-time Infant Care: ~$2,000 – $3,300/month per child.
• Preschool: ~$1,500 – $2,000/month.

Healthcare costs here are comparable to the wider Seattle metro area. Premiums and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, but access to care is excellent, with major facilities and clinics located directly in the Canyon Park and North Creek areas.

Food, Groceries, & Entertainment

Discretionary spending in Bothell can vary wildly depending on your lifestyle. The area has a mix of high-end options and budget-friendly staples.

For groceries, you have plenty of choices. You can save money by shopping at WinCo Foods (just outside Bothell in nearby suburbs) or spend more for premium organic goods at PCC Community Markets or Whole Foods. A single person should budget between $350 and $450 a month for groceries, while a family of four will likely spend between $900 and $1,200.

Dining out has become more expensive due to rising labor costs. A casual sit-down dinner will usually run about $20+ per entree before drinks and tip. However, local entertainment doesn't have to break the bank. Spots like McMenamins Anderson School or the Park at Bothell Landing offer great atmosphere and leisure without the downtown Seattle price tag.

Comparison: Bothell vs. Seattle, Bellevue, & Kirkland

Is the move worth it? When you look at the moving to Bothell guide compared to its neighbors, the value proposition becomes clear.

Vs. Bellevue & Kirkland Bothell is significantly more affordable. Housing costs here are typically 20% to 30% lower than in Bellevue or Kirkland. You get a similar suburban feel and good schools, but you trade that discount for a longer commute.

Vs. Seattle Price-wise, you might find comparable housing prices in some Seattle neighborhoods, but Bothell offers more "product." Your money buys a larger home, a garage, and a yard in Bothell, whereas that same amount might get you a smaller townhome or fixer-upper in the city.

Vs. Lynnwood & Everett If you look further north to Lynnwood or Everett, housing gets cheaper. However, Bothell is generally considered to have a stronger community feel and a more manageable commute to the Eastside tech hubs.

Salary Requirements: What Do You Need to Earn?

So, what is the bottom line? To live comfortably here—meaning you aren't spending more than 30% of your gross income on housing—you need a solid income.

If you are a single professional renting a nice apartment and paying student loans, you generally need to earn between $85,000 and $95,000 annually to feel secure.

For a household looking to buy a median-priced home and support children, the combined household income usually needs to be in the $160,000 to $180,000+ range. Fortunately, proximity to major employment centers in Canyon Park (biotech) and nearby Redmond (tech) makes these salary levels achievable for many residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Bothell or Seattle?

It depends on how you define "cheaper." Rent prices are fairly similar between the two, but buying a home in Bothell offers much better value for your money regarding square footage and land. However, if you work in Seattle, the commuting costs from Bothell can eat into those savings.

What are the utility costs in Bothell for a house?

For a standard single-family home, you should budget around $200 to $250 a month for basic utilities (electricity, gas, water, garbage). Keep in mind that winter heating bills can cause this to spike significantly, and water/sewer bills are often higher than national averages.

Does Bothell have a high crime rate compared to costs?

Bothell is generally considered a safe, stable area, which is part of why the cost of living is higher. The premium you pay for housing often reflects the demand for the area's residential stability and well-maintained neighborhoods rather than just the physical house itself.

How much are property taxes in Bothell, WA?

The effective property tax rate is roughly 1.0% of your home's assessed value. Because home values can be high (averaging over $1,000,000), you should be prepared for an annual tax bill of around $10,000, though this varies slightly depending on whether you are in the King County or Snohomish County portion of the city.

Is the I-405 toll mandatory for Bothell commuters?

No, the toll lanes are optional. You can drive in the general purpose lanes for free. However, traffic during rush hour is heavy, and many commuters find that paying the toll (which can reach $15) is necessary to get to work or home on time.