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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

San Francisco is 62% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,419/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 21%
$141,446/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↓ 24%
$1,380,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 49%
$2,620/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 30%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $34,074/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is San Francisco or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Scottsdale?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $34,074/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Scottsdale details →

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