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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Santa Ana is 35% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,975/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 27%
$88,354/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 83%
$657,800 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 83%
$1,965/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 32%
311,639
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $72,946/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Bellevue?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Bellevue?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $72,946/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 Santa Ana or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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