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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Bellevue is 50% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,505/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 13%
$161,300/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 37%
$1,203,100 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 51%
$2,586/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 14%
151,199
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $58,979/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Bellevue or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Fairfield?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Fairfield?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $58,979/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Fairfield

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill