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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Santa Rosa is 31% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,084/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 20%
$97,410/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 66%
$685,000 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 76%
$2,130/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 21%
177,216
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $63,890/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Bellevue?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Bellevue?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $63,890/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 Rosa or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Bellevue

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet