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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Glendale

California
214

Oakland is 9% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,917/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 9%
$97,369/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 13%
$924,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 13%
$2,164/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 2%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $13,107/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Glendale — common questions

Is Oakland or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Glendale?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $13,107/year higher in Oakland.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/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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