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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Bellevue is 82% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,505/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 26%
$161,300/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 48%
$1,203,100 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 60%
$2,586/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 31%
151,199
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $76,683/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Maria — common questions

Is Bellevue or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $76,683/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Santa Maria

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton