Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Chandler is 31% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,806/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 6%
$103,691/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 4%
$469,800 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 51%
$1,743/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 5%
278,123
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $3,681/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Chandler or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $3,681/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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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