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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Oakland is 18% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$1,917/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ≈ Same
$97,369/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 10%
$924,700 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 23%
$2,164/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 16%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,003/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Oakland or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $10,003/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 Oakland or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Scottsdale

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk