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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Scottsdale and Fairfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,910/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 15%
$107,372/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 5%
$709,900 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 17%
$1,824/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 22%
242,169
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $5,051/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fairfield?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fairfield?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $5,051/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Fairfield

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