Cost of Living: Glendale, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Glendale

California
214
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Glendale is 10% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,095/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 31%
$84,262/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 50%
$1,043,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$1,040,500 ≈ Same
$2,212/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 19%
192,270
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $42,207/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Glendale or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 214 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Cambridge?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Cambridge?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $42,207/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Cambridge details →

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