Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Scottsdale is 9% more expensive than Arvada.

$1,910/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 6%
$107,372/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 6%
$709,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 15%
$1,824/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 7%
242,169
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $6,024/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Arvada — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Arvada?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Arvada?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $6,024/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Arvada details →

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