Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs College Station, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Scottsdale is 81% more expensive than College Station.

$1,910/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 39%
$107,372/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 52%
$709,900 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 54%
$1,824/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 31%
242,169
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $55,596/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs College Station — common questions

Is Scottsdale or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and College Station?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or College Station?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $55,596/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and College Station

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette