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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Glendale is 39% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,397/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 56%
$70,139/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 74%
$347,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 74%
$1,356/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 64%
250,193
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $783/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $9,396/year.

Median household income is $52,090/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Glendale or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $783/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $52,090/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Elk Grove

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