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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Glendale

California
214

Riverside is 33% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,812/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 16%
$88,575/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 5%
$542,100 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 93%
$1,880/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 18%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $4,313/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Glendale — common questions

Is Riverside or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Glendale?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $4,313/year higher in Riverside.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Glendale details →

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