Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Asheville is 12% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $65,854 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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