Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

New York and Scottsdale have a similar cost of living.

$1,779/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 7%
$79,713/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 35%
$751,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 6%
$1,837/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ≈ Same
8,516,202
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $27,659/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is New York or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Scottsdale?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $27,659/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between New York and Arizona?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Scottsdale details →

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