Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Seattle is 92% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,998/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 30%
$121,984/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 43%
$912,100 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 62%
$2,220/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 39%
741,440
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $51,845/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Glendale — common questions

Is Seattle or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Glendale?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Glendale?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $51,845/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Arizona?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Glendale

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise