Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Boston is 7% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,093/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 9%
$94,755/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 13%
$710,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$709,900 ≈ Same
$2,176/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 16%
663,972
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $12,617/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Boston or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $12,617/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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More Comparisons

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