Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Bellevue is 64% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,505/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 28%
$161,300/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 30%
$1,203,100 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 50%
$2,586/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 25%
151,199
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $47,904/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Arvada — common questions

Is Bellevue or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Arvada?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Arvada?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $47,904/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Arvada details →

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