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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Downey

California
169

Glendale is 40% cheaper than Downey.

$1,397/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 35%
$70,139/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 25%
$347,000 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 110%
$1,356/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 47%
250,193
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $17,261/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Downey — common questions

Is Glendale or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Downey?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Downey?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $17,261/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Downey details →

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