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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Glendale is 55% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,397/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 71%
$70,139/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 57%
$347,000 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 204%
$1,356/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 82%
250,193
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $998/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $11,976/year.

Median household income is $39,934/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Glendale or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $998/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $39,934/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Costa Mesa details →

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