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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Austin is 19% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,655/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 15%
$91,461/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 17%
$512,700 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 38%
$1,747/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 4%
967,862
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $15,911/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Austin or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $15,911/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 Austin or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Scottsdale details →

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