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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Glendale is 18% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,397/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 21%
$70,139/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 8%
$347,000 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 18%
$1,356/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 29%
250,193
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $5,944/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Glendale or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Lancaster?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Lancaster?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $5,944/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Lancaster

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale