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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Modesto

California
120

Glendale is 15% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,397/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 15%
$70,139/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 11%
$347,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 20%
$1,356/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 19%
250,193
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $7,760/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Modesto — common questions

Is Glendale or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Modesto?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Modesto?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $7,760/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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