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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

San Diego is 19% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,223/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 14%
$104,321/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 3%
$848,500 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 16%
$2,308/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 21%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $3,051/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is San Diego or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Scottsdale?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $3,051/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 San Diego or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Scottsdale

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