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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Bellevue is 19% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,505/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 19%
$161,300/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 8%
$1,203,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 27%
$2,586/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 18%
151,199
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Bellevue, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $12,370/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Bellevue or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bellevue is cheaper to live in with an index of 250 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $12,370/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Santa Clara

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville