Cost of Living: Glendale, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Glendale

California
214
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Glendale is 70% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,095/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 8%
$84,262/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 11%
$1,043,900 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 62%
$2,212/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 28%
192,270
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $9,109/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Surprise — common questions

Is Glendale or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Surprise?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Surprise?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $9,109/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Surprise

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite