Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Glendale is 41% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,397/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 45%
$70,139/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 62%
$347,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 101%
$1,356/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 60%
250,193
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $43,499/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Glendale or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Alexandria?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Alexandria?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $43,499/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Alexandria details →

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