Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Dallas is 16% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $62,805 in Dallas.
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. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Dallas scores 97 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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