Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Cleveland is 69% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$894/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 114%
$39,187/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 174%
$94,100 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 654%
$866/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 111%
367,523
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,016/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $12,192/year.

Median household income is $68,185/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Cleveland or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $1,016/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $68,185/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cleveland and Scottsdale

Cleveland vs. New Orleans Cleveland vs. Honolulu Cleveland vs. Aurora Cleveland vs. Anaheim Cleveland vs. Tampa Cleveland vs. Henderson Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk