You’ll typically pay about $1,200–$2,080 monthly for rent in Glendale depending on unit size and neighborhood, so plan to add utilities (~$220), groceries (above U.S. average), and higher transportation costs. Studios and one‑beds are most common and cheaper; two‑beds and downtown units cost more. Use the 30% rule to set income targets and check multiple listing feeds for supply and negotiation chances. Keep going to see neighborhood, budgeting, and legal tips.

What Is the Current Average Rent in Glendale?

How much you’ll pay for rent in Glendale depends on the data source: as of October 2025 marketwide averages sit around $2,077/month while apartment-specific trackers often report about $1,211/month, with typical unit-size averages roughly 595–667 sq ft and unit-type ranges from about $941 (studio) up to $2,628 (two-bedroom).

Rent in Glendale varies by source — roughly $941–$2,628, with averages near $1,211–$2,077/month.

You’ll see Glendale rent prices reported across a broad band—common listings span roughly $985–$2,628—so the average rent in Glendale varies by neighborhood and dataset.

For one-bedroom rent expect about $1,211–$2,077, while two-bedroom rent runs roughly $1,487–$2,628; studio rent can be as low as ~$941 or exceed $2,000 in some units.

Look at the median rent and source coverage before budgeting. Use the 30% affordability guideline: income needed for rent ranges roughly $4,036–$6,923/month ($48,432–$83,076/year) depending on which monthly rent you use.

Note modest year-over-year rent change across sources.

How Rent Has Changed Over the Past Year

Now that you’ve seen current rent levels, look at what’s changed year‑over‑year: reports are mixed depending on the source and timeframe. You’ll notice Glendale average rent shifts differ by dataset — one shows a modest year-over-year rent change of +0.9% (about $18/month), while another reports -2.4% (about $28/month). CoStar Group’s metro-focused reporting (latest Sept 2025) lists average rent near $2,077/month, whereas apartments.com-style local snapshots show $1,211/month (Oct 2025), reflecting methodology and coverage differences.

For your planning, treat monthly rent inflation figures as directional rather than exact. Neighborhood rent differences drove much of the variance: pricier submarkets (Downtown, Vineyard, Moorpark-Glendale) pushed averages up, while affordable neighborhoods (Lexington Place, Mariposa, Citrus Grove) pulled them down. Additionally, understanding local market conditions can provide insights into future rent trends. When you set an average monthly budget or search for a one-bedroom apartment, compare sources and recent rental market trends to get the most relevant picture.

Rent by Unit Type: Studios, One‑Bedrooms, and Two‑Bedrooms

You’ll see studios in Glendale typically rent from about $941 to $1,600/month with roughly 595–667 sq ft, one‑bedrooms around $1,211 to $2,077/month (common midpoints near $1,239–$1,838), and two‑bedrooms about $1,487 to $2,628/month with higher prices in areas like Arrowhead Ranch and Overland Hills.

Expect modest year‑over‑year movement (roughly ±$18–$28 per month), and note that neighborhood and square footage drive most of the variation.

Use a simple budget rule—keep rent to about 30% of your gross income—to estimate what unit type fits your finances.

Typical Rents by Unit

Rents in Glendale vary noticeably by unit type and neighborhood, so expect a broad range depending on where you look and what amenities a building offers.

For practical budgeting, use the monthly rent Glendale figures: studio rent commonly falls between $941 and $1,600 (sources range $941–$2,041), one-bedroom average often centers near $1,211 (range $1,211–$2,077), and two-bedroom rent typically lands around $1,487 with upper reports up to $2,628.

Three-bedroom rent and larger units usually start near $1,933–$2,100 or higher.

Neighborhood variation and building amenities drive these spreads, and rent trends 2025 show mixed direction year‑over‑year. Factor utilities and bills into totals and plug numbers into an affordability calculator to see what fits your budget.

Size and Space Differences

Although unit labels can hide big differences, size and layout strongly affect what you’ll pay in Glendale. You’ll find studio size varies—about 667–803 square footage in reports—with average rent commonly cited near $941 to $2,041/month.

One‑bedroom units, the most common, average roughly 595–667 square footage and rent around $1,211–$2,077.

Two‑bedroom apartments typically exceed 800 square footage and ask $1,487–$2,628 depending on listings. Rent variation aligns with neighborhoods: more affordable areas like Lexington Place and Casitas Bonitas trend smaller and cheaper, while Overland Trail and Downtown Glendale command larger plans and higher prices.

For your monthly budget expect modest shifts: year‑over‑year change is mixed (≈‑2.4% to +0.9%), so monitor quarters for small price movement.

Budget and Income Rules

When planning a budget, use the 30% rule as a baseline: for the typical one‑bedroom in Glendale at about $1,211/month you’d need roughly $4,036 monthly (≈$48,432/year) to keep rent at or below 30% of income.

Use that guideline to compare studios ($941) and two‑bedrooms ($1,487) against your monthly income and planned savings. Factor utilities and neighborhood differences: Lexington Place and Casitas Bonitas trend lower, Overland Trail and Pendergast West run higher. Note average rent here is about 26% below the U.S. average, so local comparisons matter for affordability.

Track year‑over‑year trends—recent citywide declines (~‑2.4%) may shift bargaining power. Build your budget with rent, utilities, and contingency for market swings.

Neighborhoods: Most Affordable and Most Expensive Areas

You can cut rent markedly by choosing more affordable neighborhoods like Lexington Place, Casitas Bonitas, Montecito at Manistee Ranch, Mariposa, Citrus Grove, or Pelanconia, where smaller units and lower rent listings dominate.

Expect the highest rents in Overland Trail, Overland Hills, Pendergast West, Downtown Glendale, Vineyard, and Moorpark‑Glendale, with Downtown, Vineyard, and Moorpark‑Glendale also showing the largest rental inventories.

Neighborhood-level averages vary widely (for example Arrowhead Ranch ~$1,669, Chaparral Ranch ~$1,357, Rovey Farm Estates ~$1,707), so pick areas that match your budget to control costs. Regular maintenance tips can help ensure your air conditioning system remains efficient, potentially saving you on energy bills.

Most Affordable Neighborhoods

Pick your neighborhood carefully: Glendale’s rent landscape varies enough that choosing Mariposa, Citrus Grove, or Pelanconia (citywide) — or, within Glendale proper, Lexington Place, Casitas Bonitas, and Montecito at Manistee Ranch — will typically put you below the city’s mean rent, while Downtown Glendale, Vineyard, and Moorpark-Glendale command the highest rents and concentrations of listings.

If you want Glendale affordable neighborhoods, prioritize those lower-cost pockets: Mariposa neighborhood rent and Lexington Place rent often fall under the average rent Glendale reported in some datasets (~$1,211). Casitas Bonitas rentals offer consistent savings versus pricier areas.

Check neighborhood rental availability before deciding; availability concentrates in Downtown Glendale and Vineyard. Use a rent affordability guideline (≤30% income) to screen cheapest neighborhoods Glendale against Vineyard rental prices and citywide options.

Most Expensive Neighborhoods

Having scoped out Glendale’s cheaper pockets, it helps to compare them directly with the city’s priciest neighborhoods so you can weigh tradeoffs in cost, availability, and unit size. You’ll find Glendale most expensive neighborhoods include Downtown Glendale, Vineyard, Moorpark-Glendale, Overland Trail, Overland Hills, and Pendergast West — high-rent areas where rental inventory and demand are strongest.

Expect average rent Glendale figures to climb, with three-bedroom rent premium pushing averages roughly $1,933–$2,465 in premium listings and citywide datasets ranging $1,211–$2,077.

Use neighborhood rent comparison to judge value: Downtown Glendale rents and Vineyard neighborhood rent are high but offer more units, so you may negotiate better deals. Moorpark-Glendale rent stays elevated; overall cost variation by neighborhood is significant and measurable.

How Many Rentals Are Available and Where to Find Them

Glendale’s rental market can vary widely depending on the data source and timing: listings range from about 1,587 units in one dataset to 6,233 in another (apartments.com/CoStar), so expect different totals as you compare feeds. You’ll find that Glendale rental inventory concentrates in neighborhoods with availability like downtown Glendale, Vineyard, Moorpark-Glendale (per one source) and Westside, Arrowhead, Arrowhead Ranch (per another). Studios and one-bedroom availability is higher, often priced roughly $1,000–$1,600 depending on area. Use CoStar/Apartments.com listings, Apartments.com neighborhood guides, and local property-management sites to filter apartments for rent by size, rent, and amenities. Inventory updates quarterly in CoStar-derived datasets, so check frequently for new entries and removed listings. Prioritize searches in the high-availability neighborhoods above, set alerts for studio and one-bedroom availability, and compare feeds to avoid missing units. Additionally, understanding the average fees for rentals in Glendale can help you budget effectively.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Utilities, Groceries, Transportation and Essentials

Because utilities, groceries, and transport add a predictable premium to your monthly cost of living, you should budget beyond rent to get an accurate picture of affordability. Use the average rent benchmark to start: one-bedrooms often range $1,211–$1,838 and two-bedrooms $1,487–$2,465, then add utilities and household expenses.

Expect energy bills near $222.54/month and overall utilities about 7% above the U.S. average. Groceries run roughly 9% higher than national norms; common items — bread $4.31, milk $5.13, eggs $3.89 — add up quickly.

Transportation is the largest variable: costs are about 37% above average, gas near $4.44/gal, with public transit options like Valley Metro and Dial‑A‑Ride reducing some expense if you use them. Additionally, consider budgeting for air conditioning blowing hose replacement as unexpected vehicle repairs can significantly impact your finances.

For a practical monthly budget, add utilities, groceries, transportation, and incidentals to rent to assess true rent affordability and overall household expenses, then adjust discretionary spending accordingly.

Salary Needed to Afford Rent and Affordability Guidelines

You’ve already added utilities, groceries and transport to get a realistic monthly cost — now translate that total into the salary you’ll need to keep rent affordable. Use the 30% rule as your baseline affordability guideline: to cover a Glendale average rent of $2,077/month (Oct 2025), you’d need roughly $6,923 monthly or $83,076 annually so rent stays at or below a 30% rent-to-income ratio.

If you’re using the city’s $1,211/month figure, monthly income needed falls to about $4,036 ($48,432/year).

Account for utilities and expenses beyond the 30% rule: transportation and groceries, plus other essentials, should be layered on top of that baseline. Year-over-year rent change has been modest (+0.9% to −2.4%), so salary targets may shift slightly. Additionally, consider that operating a group home can introduce various financial obligations that may impact overall budgeting needs.

Because Glendale averages vary versus national comparison, plug your actual rent into a rent affordability calculator to get precise targets for your situation.

Comparing Glendale to Nearby Cities and the National Average

Cost comparisons show Glendale is generally more affordable than many nearby suburbs and the national average: average rent in Glendale is about $1,211/month (Oct 2025), roughly 26% below the U.S. average of $1,629 and well under Phoenix-area one-bedroom averages that can top $1,800.

You’ll find neighborhood rent differences within Glendale—studios around $941 and one-bedrooms near $1,211—so your monthly budget Glendale can stay lower than in pricier suburbs.

Use the rent affordability guideline (rent ≤30% of income): median income needed Glendale is about $4,036/month (~$48,432/year) to cover average rent comfortably, which is less than incomes required in higher-cost nearby cities.

Compare Glendale vs national: housing favors Glendale, but utilities and groceries Glendale run ~7–9% above national and transportation costs Glendale can be ~37% higher in some reports. Additionally, budgeting for essential repair costs can help manage unexpected expenses like technology repairs in educational settings.

That means your overall monthly budget Glendale depends on whether housing or transport and food drive your expenses in nearby cities rent comparison.

Legal Protections, Tenant Resources, and Rental Assistance

While renting in Glendale, know that federal and Arizona fair housing laws protect you from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, and you can report violations to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

In Glendale, federal and Arizona fair housing laws prohibit discrimination; report violations to the Arizona Attorney General.

You should document incidents, use local tenant advocacy groups for guidance, and pursue legal aid when needed.

Brokers and property managers must follow state rules; file housing complaints with the Arizona Department of Real Estate for broker misconduct.

For rent affordability, aim for ~30% of income and use rent-affordability calculators (about $4,036/month income to afford $1,211 rent as of Oct 2025).

• Learn tenant protections for security deposit returns and unlawful eviction procedures.
• Contact tenant advocacy groups for emergency rental assistance referrals.
• Lodge formal housing complaints with municipal departments or the Attorney General.
• Seek legal aid early for lease disputes, unsafe conditions, or broker violations.

These steps help you protect rights, stabilize housing, and access financial support efficiently. Additionally, understanding essential fees associated with hiring a probate lawyer can help you prepare for any legal costs that may arise during estate planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Glendale, CA?

Expect to pay roughly $2,077 rent plus higher commute expenses, grocery prices, utility averages, healthcare costs, childcare fees, entertainment options, local taxes, parking costs, pet expenses, and insurance premiums — totaling substantially above national averages.

How Much of My Monthly Budget Should Go to Rent?

Aim for 25–30% rent percentage: prioritize savings allocation and emergency fund, limit housing debt, plan roommate planning or lease negotiation, account utilities split and groceries cap, keep a budget cushion, consider transport tradeoff for stability.

How Much Do I Need to Make to Live in Glendale, CA?

You’ll need about $60–83K/year depending on household size, lifestyle choices and savings goals; use salary benchmarks, account for commute costs, childcare expenses, healthcare premiums, tax implications, family budgeting, gig economy income and emergency savings.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Glendale, AZ?

You’ll need roughly $4,000–$6,900/month to live in Glendale, AZ, accounting for commute costs, grocery prices, utility expenses, healthcare access, childcare costs, entertainment options, property taxes, internet availability, climate impact, and community safety.

Conclusion

You’ll need to brace yourself: Glendale rent isn’t cuddly — it’s a household line item that can bulldoze your budget if you’re not prepared. Use the data here to plan realistically: pick neighborhoods, compare unit types, and factor utilities, groceries, and transit into a monthly number. Aim for the affordability guidelines we’ve outlined, tap tenant resources if needed, and hunt listings strategically — doing so turns rental stress into a solvable, numbers-driven project.