Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Cary, NC (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Scottsdale is 22% more expensive than Cary.

$1,910/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 15%
$107,372/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 21%
$709,900 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 26%
$1,824/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 4%
242,169
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $22,027/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Cary — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Cary?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Cary?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $22,027/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Cary details →

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