Cost of Living: Glendale, CA vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Glendale

California
214
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Glendale is 27% more expensive than Elk Grove.

$2,095/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 4%
$84,262/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 45%
$1,043,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$603,400 ↓ 42%
$2,212/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ≈ Same
192,270
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $37,967/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Glendale or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $37,967/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Elk Grove

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem