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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Irvine is 2% more expensive than Bellevue.

$2,893/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↓ 13%
$129,647/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 24%
$1,115,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 8%
$2,904/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↓ 11%
308,160
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Bellevue, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $31,653/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Irvine or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bellevue is cheaper to live in with an index of 250 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Bellevue?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Bellevue?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $31,653/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 Irvine or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Bellevue details →

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