Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Glendale is 19% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,397/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 14%
$70,139/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 20%
$347,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 31%
$1,356/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 29%
250,193
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $13,718/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Glendale or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Tacoma?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Tacoma?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $13,718/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Tacoma details →

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