Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Scottsdale is 34% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,910/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 31%
$107,372/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 50%
$709,900 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 69%
$1,824/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 42%
242,169
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $53,928/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Bellevue?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Bellevue?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $53,928/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Bellevue

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet