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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Irvine is 55% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,893/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 34%
$129,647/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↓ 17%
$1,115,400 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 36%
$2,904/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 37%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $22,275/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Irvine or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $22,275/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Scottsdale

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk