Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Scottsdale is 57% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,910/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 19%
$107,372/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 40%
$709,900 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 54%
$1,824/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 23%
242,169
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $42,932/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Clearwater?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Clearwater?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $42,932/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Clearwater details →

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