Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Plano is 20% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,792/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 7%
$108,649/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↓ 1%
$440,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 61%
$1,829/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ≈ Same
287,339
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $1,277/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Plano or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $1,277/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Scottsdale

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