Is Washington, DC cheaper than Glendale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 6.1% cheaper than Glendale, CA. This translates to saving $457 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Glendale, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Glendale, CA, you'd need approximately $144,511.664 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Glendale, CA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 4.7% cheaper than in Glendale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $2,418/month in Glendale, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Glendale, CA to Washington, DC?

Moving from Glendale, CA to Washington, DC could save you approximately $457 per month, or $5488 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Glendale, CA vs Washington, DC: 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 save $457/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.5K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$457

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.5K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$556K

Glendale, CA

The Golden State

187K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Glendale, CA vs Washington, DC

Category	Glendale, CA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,515/mo	$6,211/mo	↓ $304less	4.7%
Other	$1,617/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $208more	12.9%
Transportation	$2,016/mo	$1,885/mo	↓ $131less	6.5%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$632/mo	↑ $96.64more	18.1%
Groceries	$1,005/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $73.86more	7.3%
All Utilities	$539/mo	$508/mo	↓ $30.49less	5.7%

Housing

↓ 4.7%

Glendale, CA

$6,515

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$304

less

Other

↑ 12.9%

Glendale, CA

$1,617

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$208

Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Glendale, CA

$2,016

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$131

less

Healthcare

↑ 18.1%

Glendale, CA

$535

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$96.64

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Glendale, CA

$1,005

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$73.86

All Utilities

↓ 5.7%

Glendale, CA

$539

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$30.49

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,731

To$2,150

↑ $419

1 Bed

From$1,941

To$2,215

↑ $274

2 Bed

From$2,418

To$2,470

↑ $52.00

3 Bed

From$3,065

To$3,115

↑ $50.00

Glendale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,550/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$86.51

Difference

Home Values

Glendale

Washington

$1.15M

Median Value

$556K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +29.8%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$760K - $1.69M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 52% less expensive than Glendale

Calculate payment - Glendale Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $524

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$43.66

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Glendale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.