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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Scottsdale is 2% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,910/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 14%
$107,372/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 14%
$709,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$603,400 ↓ 15%
$1,824/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 22%
242,169
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $14,857/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $14,857/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Elk Grove

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