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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Fremont is 11% more expensive than Bellevue.

$2,905/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↓ 14%
$176,350/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↓ 9%
$1,289,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↓ 7%
$3,000/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↓ 14%
228,518
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Bellevue, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $15,050/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Fremont or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bellevue is cheaper to live in with an index of 250 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Bellevue?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Bellevue?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $15,050/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Bellevue

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet