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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Sacramento is 20% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,694/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 13%
$83,753/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 28%
$484,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 46%
$1,752/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 4%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $23,619/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Sacramento or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $23,619/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 Sacramento or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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