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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Oakland is 91% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,917/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 27%
$97,369/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 28%
$924,700 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 62%
$2,164/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 37%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $27,230/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Glendale — common questions

Is Oakland or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Glendale?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Glendale?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $27,230/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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