Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Bellevue is 10% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$2,505/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 4%
$161,300/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 32%
$1,203,100 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↓ 12%
$2,586/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 5%
151,199
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $51,227/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Bellevue or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Costa Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 228 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $51,227/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Costa Mesa

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria