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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

San Diego is 93% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,223/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 37%
$104,321/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 33%
$848,500 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 59%
$2,308/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 41%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $34,182/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Glendale — common questions

Is San Diego or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Glendale?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Glendale?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $34,182/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Glendale details →

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