Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Fresno and Glendale have a similar cost of living.

$1,324/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 6%
$66,804/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↑ 5%
$348,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$347,000 ≈ Same
$1,391/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 3%
543,615
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $3,335/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Glendale — common questions

Is Fresno or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Glendale?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Glendale?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $3,335/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Glendale details →

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