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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Downey

California
169

Scottsdale is 2% cheaper than Downey.

$1,910/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ≈ Same
$107,372/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 19%
$709,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 3%
$1,824/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 9%
242,169
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,972/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Downey — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Downey?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Downey?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,972/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Downey details →

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