Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Reno is 26% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,453/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 31%
$78,448/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 37%
$498,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 42%
$1,482/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 23%
268,959
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $457/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $5,484/year.

Median household income is $28,924/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Reno or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $457/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $28,924/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Arizona?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Scottsdale

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