Cost of Living: Glendale, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Glendale

California
214
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Glendale is 30% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,095/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 42%
$84,262/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 106%
$1,043,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 46%
$2,212/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 38%
192,270
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $89,408/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Glendale or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 214 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $89,408/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Santa Clara

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville