Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Anaheim is 10% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,082/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 8%
$90,583/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 19%
$771,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 8%
$2,165/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 16%
344,553
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $16,789/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Anaheim or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $16,789/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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