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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

San Jose is 2% more expensive than Bellevue.

$2,617/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↓ 4%
$141,565/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 14%
$1,187,800 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 1%
$2,775/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↓ 7%
990,054
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Bellevue, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $19,735/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Bellevue — common questions

Is San Jose or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bellevue is cheaper to live in with an index of 250 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Bellevue?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Bellevue?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $19,735/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 Jose or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Bellevue details →

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