F
37%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
133%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Scottsdale Arizona National
Cost of living137101100
Goods & Services91104100
Groceries104102100
Health care9494100
Housing23397100
Transportation102106100
Utilities9995100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Scottsdale, AZ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Scottsdale is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Scottsdale is 137, which is 37% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Scottsdale may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Scottsdale falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Scottsdale cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 132.8% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Scottsdale Affordable?

Is Scottsdale an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Scottsdale is 167% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 53% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Scottsdale has a median household income of $91,042, which is 64.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Scottsdale?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Scottsdale, the utilities index is 1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Scottsdale, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and income tax rates begin at 2.55%.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Scottsdale, is 132.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Scottsdale, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Scottsdale is 37% higher than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Scottsdale is 37% higher than the national average
  • Scottsdale housing is 133% higher than the national average
  • Arizona general sales tax is 10% higher than the national average
  • Arizona state income tax is 13% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Scottsdale

See all the best places to live around Scottsdale

Compare Scottsdale, AZ Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$111,317$9,276$2,597$3,340
      Renters$66,529$5,544$1,552$1,996
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Scottsdale, AZ, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Scottsdale have a median income of $111,317. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,597 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $66,529, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,552.

      Arizona Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arizona 5.6% 10.725%

      Arizona Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arizona 2.55% 2.98%

      Goods & Services

      Item Scottsdale National avg. Difference
      Haircut $18.21$24.2624.9%
      Beauty Salon $55.83$45.5622.5%
      Toothpaste $3.54$3.704.3%
      Shampoo $1.32$1.283.3%
      Movie $9.71$12.1320.0%
      Bowling $21.97$18.0022.1%

      Groceries

      Item Scottsdale National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.17$5.845.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.4%
      Milk $4.78$4.672.4%
      Potatoes $4.60$4.936.8%
      Pizza $12.12$12.090.2%
      Beer $11.51$10.4110.6%

      Health Care

      Item Scottsdale National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $107.63$125.6814.4%
      Doctor $99.00$135.7827.1%
      Dentist $120.50$113.296.4%
      Ibuprofen $11.04$10.653.6%
      Lipitor $486.38$468.603.8%

      Housing

      Item Scottsdale National avg. Difference
      Home Price $493,200.00$184,700.00167.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,561.11$2,346.699.1%
      Apartment Rent $1,452.00$949.0053.0%

      Transportation

      Item Scottsdale National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.54$3.462.3%
      Tire Balancing $60.83$59.921.5%

      Utilities

      Item Scottsdale National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $193.93$193.990.0%
      Phone $186.48$192.253.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Komatke, AZ8858911.0%
      Guadalupe, AZ6,5729010.4%
      Deer Creek, AZ184945.6%
      Maricopa Colony, AZ8181022.0%
      Mesa, AZ508,91811615.8%
      Scottsdale, AZ254,99513737.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Buffalo, NY255,8058614.5%
      Lubbock, TX257,013927.7%
      Chandler, AZ257,07612727.4%
      Madison, WI258,36611514.8%
      Burnaby, BC258,827n/a 
      Scottsdale, AZ254,99513737.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.