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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Irvine is 151% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,893/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 52%
$129,647/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 46%
$1,115,400 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 69%
$2,904/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 53%
308,160
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,496/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $17,952/year.

Median household income is $59,508/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Glendale — common questions

Is Irvine or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Glendale?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $1,496/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Glendale?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $59,508/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Glendale details →

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