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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Oakland is 22% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,917/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 31%
$97,369/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 66%
$924,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 30%
$2,164/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 20%
438,072
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $63,931/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Oakland or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Bellevue?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Bellevue?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $63,931/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 Oakland or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Bellevue

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet