Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Glendale is 28% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,397/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 17%
$70,139/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 21%
$347,000 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 30%
$1,356/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 14%
250,193
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $14,486/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Columbia — common questions

Is Glendale or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Columbia?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Columbia?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $14,486/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Columbia details →

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