Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Glendale, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Glendale

California
214

Washington is 20% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,900/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 10%
$106,287/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 21%
$724,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 44%
$2,103/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 5%
672,079
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $22,025/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Glendale — common questions

Is Washington or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Glendale?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Glendale?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $22,025/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Glendale

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