Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Raleigh is 33% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,468/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 30%
$82,424/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 30%
$377,800 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 88%
$1,487/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 23%
470,763
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $24,948/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Raleigh or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $24,948/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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.
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