Glendale, AZ vs. Avondale, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Glendale vs Avondale. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Glendale vs Avondale in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Glendale and Avondale. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare:
| Housing Type | Glendale | Avondale |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,325 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $410,000 |
🏆 Winner: Avondale. Housing costs an estimated 10% less in Avondale compared to Glendale.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are similar between the two cities, with Avondale having a slight edge. Expect to pay around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment in Glendale vs. $165 in Avondale.
Both cities experience hot summers, so budget more for AC from June through September. Avondale offers an off-peak energy plan that can help save on summer bills.
🏆 Winner: Avondale has marginally lower utility costs on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are nearly identical between Glendale and Avondale. Expect to budget around $400 per month for a family of two adults. Eating out is also comparable, with a meal for two ranging from $30-60 in either city.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie! Grocery and daily living costs are very similar.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona property taxes are relatively low compared to other states. Glendale’s property tax rate is 0.802% vs 0.834% in Avondale. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $130 per year.
In Glendale, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Avondale residents may pay separately for those services.
🏆 Winner: Glendale has a lower property tax rate and often bundles services into HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Glendale | Avondale |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,325 |
| Utilities | $180 | $165 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (0.8% on $400K home) | $266 | $278 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,606 | $2,478 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Glendale and Avondale are only 15 miles apart, each offers a different vibe. Some key differences:
- Glendale has more urban amenities and sports venues, while Avondale feels more suburban
- Avondale has easier freeway access to central Phoenix
- Glendale averages 3°F cooler than Avondale in the summer
- Avondale is closer to hiking trails and regional parks
7. FAQ
Is Glendale more affordable than Avondale?
Avondale has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. However, the difference is relatively small.
Which city has lower rent?
Avondale rent prices are about 10% lower than Glendale on average. See our guide to Monthly Budget Examples for Glendale Residents for more details.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices are slightly lower in Avondale, and Glendale has a lower property tax rate. Our Cost of Living in Glendale (2025 Guide) dives deeper into housing costs.
8. Conclusion
While Avondale comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, both cities offer a relatively affordable Phoenix suburb experience. Glendale may appeal more to those wanting a vibrant downtown and sports scene, while Avondale provides easier mountain access and a sleepier feel.
We recommend visiting both cities to get a feel for which fits your lifestyle and budget. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year!
Glendale, AZ vs. Avondale, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Glendale vs Avondale. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Glendale vs Avondale in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Glendale and Avondale. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare:
| Housing Type | Glendale | Avondale |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,325 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $410,000 |
🏆 Winner: Avondale. Housing costs an estimated 10% less in Avondale compared to Glendale.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are similar between the two cities, with Avondale having a slight edge. Expect to pay around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment in Glendale vs. $165 in Avondale.
Both cities experience hot summers, so budget more for AC from June through September. Avondale offers an off-peak energy plan that can help save on summer bills.
🏆 Winner: Avondale has marginally lower utility costs on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are nearly identical between Glendale and Avondale. Expect to budget around $400 per month for a family of two adults. Eating out is also comparable, with a meal for two ranging from $30-60 in either city.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie! Grocery and daily living costs are very similar.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona property taxes are relatively low compared to other states. Glendale’s property tax rate is 0.802% vs 0.834% in Avondale. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $130 per year.
In Glendale, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Avondale residents may pay separately for those services.
🏆 Winner: Glendale has a lower property tax rate and often bundles services into HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Glendale | Avondale |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,325 |
| Utilities | $180 | $165 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (0.8% on $400K home) | $266 | $278 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,606 | $2,478 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Glendale and Avondale are only 15 miles apart, each offers a different vibe. Some key differences:
- Glendale has more urban amenities and sports venues, while Avondale feels more suburban
- Avondale has easier freeway access to central Phoenix
- Glendale averages 3°F cooler than Avondale in the summer
- Avondale is closer to hiking trails and regional parks
7. FAQ
Is Glendale more affordable than Avondale?
Avondale has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. However, the difference is relatively small.
Which city has lower rent?
Avondale rent prices are about 10% lower than Glendale on average. See our guide to Monthly Budget Examples for Glendale Residents for more details.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices are slightly lower in Avondale, and Glendale has a lower property tax rate. Our Cost of Living in Glendale (2025 Guide) dives deeper into housing costs.
8. Conclusion
While Avondale comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, both cities offer a relatively affordable Phoenix suburb experience. Glendale may appeal more to those wanting a vibrant downtown and sports scene, while Avondale provides easier mountain access and a sleepier feel.
We recommend visiting both cities to get a feel for which fits your lifestyle and budget. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year!