Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Tucson is 24% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $56,707 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Scottsdale scores 103 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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