Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Bellevue, WA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 13.3% cheaper than Bellevue, WA. This translates to saving $995 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Bellevue, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bellevue, WA, you'd need approximately $138,057.452 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bellevue, WA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 20.2% cheaper than in Bellevue, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bellevue, WA to San Diego, CA?

Moving from Bellevue, WA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $995 per month, or $11943 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bellevue, WA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Bellevue, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $995/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.1K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$995

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bellevue, WA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.46M

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Bellevue, WA

The Evergreen State

152K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 152K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bellevue, WA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Bellevue, WA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,547/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $1,324less	20.2%
Transportation	$1,833/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $262less	14.3%
Healthcare	$810/mo	$638/mo	↓ $171less	21.2%
All Utilities	$472/mo	$634/mo	↑ $161more	34.2%
Groceries	$1,060/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $18.89more	1.8%
Other	$1,907/mo	$1,892/mo	↓ $15.16less	0.8%

Housing

↓ 20.2%

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,324

less

Transportation

↓ 14.3%

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$262

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.2%

Bellevue, WA

$810

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$171

less

All Utilities

↑ 34.2%

Bellevue, WA

$472

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$161

Groceries

↑ 1.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$18.89

Other

↓ 0.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$15.16

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,105

To$2,565

↑ $460

1 Bed

From$2,178

To$2,755

↑ $577

2 Bed

From$2,539

To$3,360

↑ $821

3 Bed

From$3,319

To$4,475

↑ $1,156

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,629

Monthly in Bellevue, WA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,592

Difference

Home Values

Bellevue

San Diego

$1.46M

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +42.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$1.01M - $1.63M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 33% less expensive than Bellevue

Calculate payment - Bellevue Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Bellevue, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Bellevue, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.