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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Glendale is 39% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,397/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 57%
$70,139/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 46%
$347,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 71%
$1,356/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 64%
250,193
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $32,182/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Glendale or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Fairfield?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Fairfield?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $32,182/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Fairfield

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill