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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Fontana

California
146

Glendale is 30% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,397/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 24%
$70,139/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 40%
$347,000 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 61%
$1,356/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 47%
250,193
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $28,048/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Fontana — common questions

Is Glendale or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Fontana?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Fontana?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $28,048/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Fontana details →

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