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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

San Jose is 149% more expensive than Glendale.

$2,617/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 47%
$141,565/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 50%
$1,187,800 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 71%
$2,775/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 51%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,220/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $14,640/year.

Median household income is $71,426/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Glendale — common questions

Is San Jose or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Glendale?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $1,220/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Glendale?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $71,426/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Glendale details →

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