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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

San Jose is 54% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,617/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 27%
$141,565/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↓ 24%
$1,187,800 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 40%
$2,775/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 34%
990,054
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $34,193/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is San Jose or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Scottsdale?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $34,193/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Scottsdale details →

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