B
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Glendale Arizona National
Cost of living109101100
Groceries104101100
Health care100101100
Housing12396100
Transportation100102100
Utilities110111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100103100
Household Items104101100
Education & Childcare108103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Glendale, AZ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Glendale is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Glendale is 109, which is 9% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Glendale are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Glendale can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

When it comes to the cost of living in Glendale, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 23.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Glendale?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 13 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Glendale. The feedback revealed that 62% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 38% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Glendale Affordable?

Wondering if Glendale is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Glendale, for example, the median home price is 29.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 9.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Glendale boasting a median household income of $86,180, which is 6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Glendale?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Glendale, the groceries index is 4.1% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Glendale, the transportation index stands at 0.3% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Glendale, the healthcare costs are 0% equal to the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Glendale cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Glendale is 8% higher than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Glendale is 9% higher than the national average
  • Glendale housing is 23% higher than the national average
  • Arizona general sales tax is 10% higher than the national average
  • Arizona state income tax is 4% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Glendale

See all the best places to live around Glendale

Compare Glendale, AZ Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$115,963$9,664$2,706$3,479
      Renters$58,058$4,838$1,355$1,742
      The affordability of the housing market in Glendale, AZ as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Glendale homeowners, the median income is $115,963. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,706 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $58,058. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,355 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Arizona Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arizona 5.6% 10.725%

      Arizona Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arizona 2.5% 2.5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Goodyear Village, AZ2838613.7%
      Guadalupe, AZ6,820973.5%
      Deer Creek, AZ189964.2%
      Youngtown, AZ7,0441000.4%
      Sun City, AZ39,8731021.9%
      Glendale, AZ255,9141099.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gilbert, AZ255,86912828.4%
      North Las Vegas, NV256,14411413.7%
      Winston-Salem, NC255,400945.7%
      Reno, NV258,53212625.7%
      Burnaby, BC258,827n/a 
      Glendale, AZ255,9141099.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.