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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Glendale is 50% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,397/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 63%
$70,139/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 100%
$347,000 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 149%
$1,356/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 78%
250,193
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $70,021/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Arlington — common questions

Is Glendale or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Arlington?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Arlington?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $70,021/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Arlington details →

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