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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Glendale is 6% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,397/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 3%
$70,139/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 9%
$347,000 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 11%
$1,356/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 9%
250,193
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,151/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Glendale or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $6,151/year higher in Glendale.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and San Bernardino

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley