Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Scottsdale is 99% more expensive than Athens.

$1,910/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 39%
$107,372/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 52%
$709,900 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 62%
$1,824/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 36%
242,169
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $55,717/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Athens — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Athens?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Athens?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $55,717/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Athens details →

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