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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Glendale is 38% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,397/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 37%
$70,139/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 53%
$347,000 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 105%
$1,356/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 35%
250,193
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $37,233/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Glendale or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $37,233/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 Glendale or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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