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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Glendale

California
214

San Francisco is 25% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,419/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↓ 13%
$141,446/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 40%
$1,380,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↓ 24%
$2,620/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↓ 16%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $57,184/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San 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 214 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 $2,095/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Glendale?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $57,184/year higher in San Francisco.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Glendale details →

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