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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Los Angeles is 25% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,879/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 33%
$80,366/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 101%
$879,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 37%
$2,055/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 26%
3,857,897
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $80,934/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Bellevue?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $626/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Bellevue?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $80,934/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 Los Angeles or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Bellevue details →

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