Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Glendale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 21.7% more expensive than Glendale, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1628 per month.

What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA to live like I do in Glendale, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Glendale, CA, you'd need approximately $169,531.564 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Glendale, CA and San Francisco, CA?

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 50.0% more expensive than in Glendale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $2,418/month in Glendale, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Glendale, CA to San Francisco, CA?

Living in San Francisco, CA costs approximately $1628 more per month than Glendale, CA, or $19532 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Glendale, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Glendale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.6K/month more in San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $169.5K in San Francisco, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 21.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,628

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$19.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Glendale, CA

Population:187K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.15M

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

122

(22% above avg)

Median Home:$1.25M

Glendale, CA

The Golden State

187K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 187K residents.

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Glendale, CA vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Glendale, CA	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,515/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $3,257more	50.0%
Other	$1,617/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $258more	16.0%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$706/mo	↑ $171more	31.9%
Groceries	$1,005/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $154more	15.3%
Transportation	$2,016/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $142more	7.1%
All Utilities	$539/mo	$448/mo	↓ $90.59less	16.8%

Housing

↑ 50.0%

Glendale, CA

$6,515

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$3,257

Other

↑ 16.0%

Glendale, CA

$1,617

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$258

Healthcare

↑ 31.9%

Glendale, CA

$535

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

$171

Groceries

↑ 15.3%

Glendale, CA

$1,005

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$154

Transportation

↑ 7.1%

Glendale, CA

$2,016

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

$142

All Utilities

↓ 16.8%

Glendale, CA

$539

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$90.59

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,731

To$2,460

↑ $729

1 Bed

From$1,941

To$2,950

↑ $1,009

2 Bed

From$2,418

To$3,570

↑ $1,152

3 Bed

From$3,065

To$4,560

↑ $1,495

Glendale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,550/mo

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,227

Monthly in Glendale, CA

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$3,891

Difference

Home Values

Glendale

San Francisco

$1.15M

Median Value

$1.25M

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +29.8%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

$760K - $1.69M

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

Homes in San Francisco are 8% more expensive than Glendale

Calculate payment - Glendale Calculate payment - San Francisco

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Glendale, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Glendale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.