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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Fresno is 60% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,324/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 89%
$66,804/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 141%
$348,500 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 245%
$1,391/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 86%
543,615
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,181/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $14,172/year.

Median household income is $94,496/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Fresno or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Bellevue?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,181/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Bellevue?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $94,496/year higher in Bellevue.
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 Fresno or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Bellevue details →

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