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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

San Francisco is 7% more expensive than Bellevue.

$2,419/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 4%
$141,446/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 14%
$1,380,500 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↓ 13%
$2,620/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↓ 1%
836,321
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in San Francisco, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $19,854/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Bellevue — common questions

Is San Francisco or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bellevue is cheaper to live in with an index of 250 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Bellevue?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Bellevue?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $19,854/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 Francisco or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Bellevue details →

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