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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Lancaster is 50% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,696/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 48%
$76,083/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 112%
$409,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 194%
$1,746/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 48%
170,013
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $809/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $9,708/year.

Median household income is $85,217/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 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

Lancaster vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Lancaster or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Bellevue?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $809/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Bellevue?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $85,217/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 Lancaster or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Bellevue

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet