Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Scottsdale is 47% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,910/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 23%
$107,372/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 41%
$709,900 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 45%
$1,824/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 15%
242,169
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $43,498/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $43,498/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland