Cost of Living: Glendale, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Glendale

California
214
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Glendale is 41% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,095/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 14%
$84,262/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 35%
$1,043,900 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 42%
$2,212/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 12%
192,270
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $29,134/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Arvada — common questions

Is Glendale or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Arvada?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Arvada?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $29,134/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Arvada details →

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