Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Tempe is 14% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $64,634 in Tempe.
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. Scottsdale has a housing index of 162 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Scottsdale scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) match Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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