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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

San Diego is 21% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,223/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 13%
$104,321/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 55%
$848,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 42%
$2,308/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 12%
1,385,061
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $56,979/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Bellevue — common questions

Is San Diego or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Bellevue?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Bellevue?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $56,979/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 San Diego or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Bellevue details →

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