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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Richmond

California
161

Glendale is 37% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,397/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 36%
$70,139/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 28%
$347,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 87%
$1,356/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 49%
250,193
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $19,899/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Richmond — common questions

Is Glendale or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Richmond?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Richmond?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $19,899/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Richmond details →

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