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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Sacramento is 47% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,694/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 48%
$83,753/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 93%
$484,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 148%
$1,752/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 48%
524,802
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 Sacramento, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $77,547/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Sacramento or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Bellevue?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Bellevue?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $77,547/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 Sacramento or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Bellevue details →

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