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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Glendale

California
214

Tucson is 64% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,079/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 94%
$54,546/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 54%
$242,200 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 331%
$1,076/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 106%
543,348
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,016/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $12,192/year.

Median household income is $29,716/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Glendale — common questions

Is Tucson or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Glendale?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,016/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Glendale?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $29,716/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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