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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Scottsdale is 65% more expensive than Denton.

$1,910/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 30%
$107,372/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 31%
$709,900 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 54%
$1,824/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 20%
242,169
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $33,653/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Denton — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Denton?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Denton?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $33,653/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Denton

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