Cost of Living: Glendale, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Glendale

California
214
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Glendale is 15% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,095/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 2%
$84,262/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 29%
$1,043,900 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 29%
$2,212/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 6%
192,270
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,296/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Glendale or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 214 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Berkeley?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Berkeley?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $24,296/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Berkeley

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach