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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Sunnyvale is 91% more expensive than Bellevue.

$3,065/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↓ 18%
$181,862/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↓ 11%
$1,816,600 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↓ 34%
$3,016/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↓ 14%
153,455
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Bellevue, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $20,562/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 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

Sunnyvale vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bellevue is cheaper to live in with an index of 250 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Bellevue?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Bellevue?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $20,562/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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.
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