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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Glendale is 41% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,397/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 49%
$70,139/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 39%
$347,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 97%
$1,356/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 57%
250,193
Population
177,216

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 Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $27,271/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Glendale or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $27,271/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Santa Rosa

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga