Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Sarasota is 9% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $68,293 in Sarasota.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sarasota has a housing index of 132 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Sarasota costs $380,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Sarasota versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sarasota scores 104 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sarasota (97) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sarasota is $52,147 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sarasota.
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