Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Scottsdale is 34% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,910/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 11%
$107,372/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 1%
$709,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 90%
$1,824/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 28%
242,169
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $1,186/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Berkeley?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Berkeley?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $1,186/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Berkeley details →

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