Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Austin is 31% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,655/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 16%
$91,461/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 23%
$512,700 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 32%
$1,747/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 22%
967,862
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $21,322/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Glendale — common questions

Is Austin or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Glendale?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Glendale?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $21,322/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Glendale details →

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