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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Glendale

California
214

San Diego is 8% cheaper than Glendale.

$2,223/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↓ 6%
$104,321/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 19%
$848,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 23%
$2,308/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↓ 4%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $20,059/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Glendale — common questions

Is San Diego or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Glendale?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $20,059/year higher in San Diego.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Glendale details →

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