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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Richmond

California
161

Bellevue is 55% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,505/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 24%
$161,300/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 44%
$1,203,100 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 46%
$2,586/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 22%
151,199
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $71,262/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Richmond — common questions

Is Bellevue or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Richmond?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Richmond?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $71,262/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Richmond

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell