Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Arlington is 42% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,389/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 38%
$73,519/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 46%
$276,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 157%
$1,420/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 28%
394,769
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $521/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $6,252/year.

Median household income is $33,853/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Arlington or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $521/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $33,853/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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