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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Scottsdale is 19% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,910/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 19%
$107,372/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 31%
$709,900 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 22%
$1,824/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 32%
242,169
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $32,788/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Arlington — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Arlington?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Arlington?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $32,788/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Arlington details →

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