Glendale, CA vs Oakland, CA

Oakland is moderately more affordable than Glendale, with a 8.1% lower cost of living index. Glendale scores 189 compared to 175 for Oakland, 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 Glendale is $2,095/month compared to $1,917/month in Oakland — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oakland is more affordable at $924,700 median vs $1,043,900.

Median household income in Glendale is $84,262 compared to $97,369 in Oakland (-13.5%). Oakland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Glendale spend roughly 29.8% of their income on rent, more than the 23.6% in Oakland.

Climate-wise, Glendale is notably warmer with an average of 65.2°F compared to 58.1°F in Oakland. Oakland receives more rainfall at 18.7" per year compared to 13.9" in Glendale.