Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Boston is 73% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,093/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 33%
$94,755/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 26%
$710,400 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 51%
$2,176/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 38%
663,972
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $24,616/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Glendale — common questions

Is Boston or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Glendale?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Glendale?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $24,616/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Glendale details →

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