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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Riverside is 41% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,812/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 23%
$88,575/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 21%
$542,100 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 36%
$1,880/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 28%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $18,436/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Glendale — common questions

Is Riverside or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Glendale?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Glendale?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $18,436/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Glendale details →

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