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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Glendale is 70% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,397/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 119%
$70,139/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 159%
$347,000 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 424%
$1,356/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 122%
250,193
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,668/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $20,016/year.

Median household income is $111,723/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Glendale or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,668/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $111,723/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Sunnyvale details →

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