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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Glendale is 67% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,397/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 114%
$70,139/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 148%
$347,000 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 340%
$1,356/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 125%
250,193
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,588/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $19,056/year.

Median household income is $103,531/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Glendale or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,588/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $103,531/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Santa Clara

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville