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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Los Angeles is 13% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$1,879/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 2%
$80,366/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 34%
$879,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 19%
$2,055/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 11%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $27,006/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $27,006/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 Los Angeles or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Scottsdale

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk