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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Glendale

California
214

Fresno is 53% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,324/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 58%
$66,804/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 26%
$348,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 200%
$1,391/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 59%
543,615
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $17,458/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

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 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $771/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Glendale?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $17,458/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Glendale details →

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