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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Glendale is 54% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,397/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 59%
$70,139/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 48%
$347,000 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 201%
$1,356/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 73%
250,193
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $821/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $9,852/year.

Median household income is $33,639/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Glendale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $821/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,639/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Pasadena details →

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