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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Glendale is 60% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,397/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 92%
$70,139/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 99%
$347,000 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 233%
$1,356/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 107%
250,193
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,281/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $15,372/year.

Median household income is $69,187/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Glendale or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,281/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $69,187/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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