Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Glendale is 57% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,397/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 96%
$70,139/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 80%
$347,000 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 200%
$1,356/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 94%
250,193
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,345/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $16,140/year.

Median household income is $56,330/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Glendale or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Cambridge?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,345/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Cambridge?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $56,330/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Cambridge details →

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