Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Miami is 22% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,657/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 15%
$59,390/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 81%
$475,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 49%
$1,666/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 9%
446,663
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $47,982/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Miami or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami is cheaper to live in with an index of 129 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $47,982/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arizona?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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