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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Huntington Beach is 9% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,424/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 3%
$119,885/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 35%
$1,047,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 15%
$2,436/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 6%
196,010
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Huntington Beach, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $41,415/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 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

Huntington Beach vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntington Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 227 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Bellevue?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Bellevue?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $41,415/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 Huntington Beach or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntington Beach and Bellevue

Huntington Beach vs. Overland Park Huntington Beach vs. Peoria Huntington Beach vs. Sioux Falls Huntington Beach vs. Knoxville Huntington Beach vs. Grand Rapids Huntington Beach vs. Vancouver Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet