Peoria, AZ vs. Glendale, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Peoria and Glendale? Housing costs in Peoria average $400 less per month than in Glendale for a comparable 3-bedroom home. This cost of living comparison of Peoria vs nearby Glendale is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs between these two Phoenix suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Peoria and Glendale stack up:
| Housing Type | Peoria | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Peoria
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In Peoria, expect to pay around $180 per month for basic utilities like electricity, water, and gas for a 1,000 sq ft apartment. Glendale utility costs are similar, averaging $190 monthly.
Both cities experience hot summers, so budget an extra $50-75 per month for AC from May through September. Many electric companies offer off-peak usage plans that can help lower bills.
🏆 Winner: Peoria
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable between Peoria and Glendale. A gallon of milk runs about $3.50 in either city, with bread around $2.75 per loaf. Eating out costs a bit more in Glendale, with an average meal out for two at a mid-range restaurant totaling $60 vs $55 in Peoria.
🏆 Winner: Peoria
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona’s statewide sales tax is 5.6%. Both Peoria and Glendale tack on an additional 2.5% city sales tax, for a total of 8.1% on purchases.
Property taxes in Peoria are slightly lower at 0.6% vs Glendale’s 0.7% average. For a $450K home, that’s a difference of $450 per year. Many Peoria neighborhoods have HOA fees that include amenities like community pools and landscaping, usually ranging from $30-300 monthly.
🏆 Winner: Peoria
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Peoria | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $2,500 | $2,900 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Taxes (0.6% vs 0.7%) | $225 | $260 |
| Misc Expenses | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,615 | $4,100 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Peoria offers more affordable housing and slightly lower living costs overall compared to Glendale. However, Glendale has the advantage of being closer to downtown Phoenix, which means shorter commutes for some. Peoria tends to be quieter with larger property lots, while Glendale is more walkable.
Peoria averages 5°F cooler than Glendale in the summer months. But both cities enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year.
7. FAQ
- Is Peoria more affordable than Glendale? Yes, the cost of living is about 10% lower in Peoria on average, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Peoria rents are around $200 cheaper per month than in Glendale for a comparable apartment.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Median home prices in Peoria are about $75,000 less than in Glendale as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While both Peoria and Glendale offer a high quality of life, Peoria comes out ahead on affordability. Families looking for more space on a budget will appreciate Peoria’s lower housing costs, while professionals who prioritize a short commute may prefer Glendale.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique lifestyle and priorities. Be sure to check out our other cost of living guides for Peoria and sample monthly budgets to help with your decision. With some careful planning, you can find the perfect Phoenix suburb to call home.