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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Long Beach is 2% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$1,803/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 6%
$83,969/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 28%
$762,200 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 7%
$1,890/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 3%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $23,403/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Long Beach or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $23,403/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 Long Beach or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Scottsdale details →

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