Median rent is 36% lower in Bellevue ($1,202/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bellevue, where the median home runs $230,800 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Bellevue ($87,343 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Los Angeles is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.3 against 114.0 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Bellevue, NE.
Quick verdict
Los Angeles is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.3 in Los Angeles vs 114.0 in Bellevue (US average = 100)
City A
Bellevue, NE
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Bellevue, NE?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$74,532
You could earn $468 less (1% lower) and break even.
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
Bellevue
Nebraska
Los Angeles
California
👥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 Bellevue — median rent of $1,202/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $230,800 in Bellevue — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Nebraska's top income tax rate is 5.84% versus 13.30% in California, so Bellevue is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.50% in Nebraska and 7.25% in California; Bellevue has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bellevue
Income tax: 5.84%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Bellevue.
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize higher median household income ($87,343/yr).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,202/mo median).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.84%).
Is Bellevue cheaper than Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.3 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Los Angeles.
How much is rent in Bellevue vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,202/mo in Bellevue, NE and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Bellevue, NE has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Bellevue or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $87,343 in Bellevue, NE and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Bellevue, NE 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 — Bellevue or Los Angeles?
Nebraska's top income tax rate is 5.84% and California's is 13.30%. Bellevue, NE has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Bellevue income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bellevue, NE is equivalent to roughly $99,376 in Los Angeles, CA (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