Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Santa Ana is 60% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,975/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 29%
$88,354/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 21%
$657,800 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 47%
$1,965/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 31%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $18,215/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Glendale — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Glendale?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Glendale?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $18,215/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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