Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Scottsdale is 5% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,910/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 6%
$107,372/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 6%
$709,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 2%
$1,824/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 19%
242,169
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $6,266/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Alexandria?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Alexandria?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $6,266/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Alexandria details →

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Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen