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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Bellevue is 28% more expensive than Fullerton.

$2,505/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↓ 15%
$161,300/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 35%
$1,203,100 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$859,600 ↓ 29%
$2,586/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↓ 13%
151,199
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $57,081/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Bellevue or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Fullerton?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Fullerton?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $57,081/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Fullerton

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren