Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Phoenix is 19% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $60,976 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) match Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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