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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Glendale is 78% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,095/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 23%
$84,262/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 8%
$1,043,900 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 60%
$2,212/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 30%
192,270
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $6,619/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Tempe — common questions

Is Glendale or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Tempe?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Tempe?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $6,619/year higher in Glendale.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Tempe details →

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