Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Fresno is 39% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,324/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 44%
$66,804/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 61%
$348,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 104%
$1,391/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 31%
543,615
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $40,568/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Fresno or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $40,568/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Scottsdale details →

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