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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Downey

California
169

Bellevue is 48% more expensive than Downey.

$2,505/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 24%
$161,300/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 46%
$1,203,100 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 39%
$2,586/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 23%
151,199
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $613/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $7,356/year.

Median household income is $73,900/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Downey — common questions

Is Bellevue or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Downey?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $613/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Downey?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $73,900/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Downey details →

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