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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Santa Clarita is 21% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,486/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ≈ Same
$119,926/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 34%
$721,000 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 67%
$2,649/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↓ 2%
229,021
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $41,374/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Bellevue?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Bellevue?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $41,374/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 Clarita or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Bellevue

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet