Glendale, AZ vs Tempe, AZ

Glendale is moderately more affordable than Tempe, with a 10.8% lower cost of living index. Glendale scores 107 compared to 120 for Tempe, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Tempe can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month compared to $1,623/month in Tempe — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Glendale is more affordable at $347,000 median vs $421,900.

Median household income in Glendale is $70,139 compared to $77,643 in Tempe (-9.7%). The higher salaries in Tempe partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Glendale spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Tempe.