A-
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Wisconsin National
Cost of living10596100
Groceries10099100
Health care10098100
Housing11889100
Transportation10198100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Glendale, WI

Knowing the cost of living in Glendale allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Glendale stands at 105, marking it 5% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Glendale is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

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 20.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Glendale boasting a median household income of $114,015, which is 40.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Glendale?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Glendale, the groceries index registers 0.5% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Glendale, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5%, and income tax rates kick off at 3.54%.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Glendale cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Glendale is 10% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Glendale is 5% higher than the national average
  • Glendale housing is 18% higher than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Glendale

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Compare Glendale, WI 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$139,626$11,636$3,258$4,189
      Renters$67,739$5,645$1,580$2,032
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Glendale, WI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Glendale have a median income of $139,626. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,258 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $67,739, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,580.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Milwaukee, WI605,531937.2%
      West Milwaukee, WI4,258928.3%
      Lannon, WI1,221946.0%
      St. Francis, WI9,923954.9%
      West Allis, WI61,432936.8%
      Glendale, WI13,1791055.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tehachapi, CA13,17911817.7%
      Willow Grove, PA13,17911313.1%
      Gaffney, SC13,1798712.9%
      Harrison, OH13,180946.0%
      Crowley, LA13,176918.8%
      Glendale, WI13,1791055.3%
      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.