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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Sacramento is 29% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,694/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 18%
$83,753/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 16%
$484,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 28%
$1,752/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 23%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $13,614/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Glendale — common questions

Is Sacramento or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Glendale?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Glendale?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $13,614/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Glendale details →

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