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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Glendale is 22% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,397/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 24%
$70,139/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 16%
$347,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 25%
$1,356/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 35%
250,193
Population
165,487

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 Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $11,012/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Glendale or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Palmdale?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Palmdale?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $11,012/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Palmdale details →

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