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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Glendale

California
214

Phoenix is 49% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,458/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 44%
$77,041/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 9%
$381,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 173%
$1,430/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 55%
1,624,832
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $7,221/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Glendale — common questions

Is Phoenix or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Glendale?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Glendale?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $7,221/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Glendale details →

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