Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Glendale is 23% more expensive than Athens.

$1,397/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 17%
$70,139/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 26%
$347,000 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 22%
$1,356/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 14%
250,193
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $18,484/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Athens — common questions

Is Glendale or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Athens?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Athens?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $18,484/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Athens

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley