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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

San Francisco is 162% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,419/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 42%
$141,446/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 50%
$1,380,500 ↑ 298%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 75%
$2,620/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 48%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,022/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $12,264/year.

Median household income is $71,307/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Glendale — common questions

Is San Francisco or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Glendale?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $1,022/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Glendale?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $71,307/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Glendale details →

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