Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Austin is 13% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $65,244 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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