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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Glendale is 65% more expensive than Palmdale.

$2,095/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 17%
$84,262/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 4%
$1,043,900 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 58%
$2,212/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 17%
192,270
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $3,111/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Glendale or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Palmdale?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Palmdale?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $3,111/year higher in Glendale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Palmdale

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona