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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Glendale is 59% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,397/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 52%
$70,139/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 55%
$347,000 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 289%
$1,356/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 73%
250,193
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $730/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $8,760/year.

Median household income is $38,419/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Glendale or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Berkeley?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $730/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Berkeley?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $38,419/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Berkeley details →

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