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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Glendale

California
214

Irvine is 20% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,893/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↓ 28%
$129,647/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 35%
$1,115,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↓ 6%
$2,904/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↓ 24%
308,160
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $45,385/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

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 214 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 $2,095/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Glendale?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $45,385/year higher in Irvine.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Glendale details →

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