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Alhambra, CA vs Glendale, CA

163
Alhambra
California
VS
-13.9%
189
Glendale
California

Alhambra is moderately more affordable than Glendale, with a 13.9% lower cost of living index. Alhambra scores 163 compared to 189 for Glendale, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Glendale can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Alhambra is $1,852/month compared to $2,095/month in Glendale — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alhambra is more affordable at $812,700 median vs $1,043,900.

Median household income in Alhambra is $85,189 compared to $84,262 in Glendale (+1.1%). Alhambra offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alhambra spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, less than the 29.8% in Glendale.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Alhambra
163
14% cheaper
Glendale
189
Median Household Income
Alhambra
$85,189
1% higher
Glendale
$84,262

Housing

Median Rent
Alhambra
$1,852
12% cheaper
Glendale
$2,095
Median Home Value
Alhambra
$812,700
22% cheaper
Glendale
$1,043,900
Population
Alhambra
81,483
Glendale
192,270

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Alhambra $2,031
Glendale $2,031
1 Bed
Alhambra $2,272
Glendale $2,272
2 Bed
Alhambra $2,835
Glendale $2,835
3 Bed
Alhambra $3,599
Glendale $3,599
4 Bed
Alhambra $4,010
Glendale $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Alhambra $3.28
Glendale $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Alhambra $2.68
Glendale $2.68
US $2.50
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Milk (whole)
Alhambra $4.31
Glendale $4.31
US $4.03
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Bread (white)
Alhambra $1.98
Glendale $1.98
US $1.85
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Chicken breast
Alhambra $4.44
Glendale $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Alhambra $0.27
Glendale $0.27
US $0.19