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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Santa Ana and Scottsdale have a similar cost of living.

$1,975/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 3%
$88,354/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 22%
$657,800 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 8%
$1,965/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 7%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $19,018/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $19,018/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 Santa Ana or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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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More Comparisons

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