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

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Bellevue is 11% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$2,505/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 3%
$161,300/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 17%
$1,203,100 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 21%
$2,586/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 5%
151,199
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Bellevue, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $26,933/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Bellevue or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thousand Oaks is cheaper to live in with an index of 226 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $26,933/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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bellevue details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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