Median rent is 23% lower in Bell ($1,538/mo vs $1,998/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bell, where the median home runs $561,400 versus $912,100. Households earn more in Seattle ($121,984 vs $60,641 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (114.0).
City A
Bell, CA
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Bell, CA?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Bell
California
Seattle
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Bell — median rent of $1,538/mo versus $1,998/mo in Seattle, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $912,100 versus $561,400 in Bell — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Seattle a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.50% in Washington; Seattle has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bell
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Seattle
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Seattle (avg AQI 37.0) but not yet for Bell.
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($121,984/yr).
Pick Bell if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,538/mo median).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Bell cheaper than Seattle?
Bell is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.0 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Bell.
How much is rent in Bell vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,538/mo in Bell, CA and $1,998/mo in Seattle, WA. Bell, CA has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Bell or Seattle?
Median household income is $60,641 in Bell, CA and $121,984 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Bell or Seattle?
Washington has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my Bell income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bell, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Seattle, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology