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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fremont

California
278

Scottsdale is 41% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,910/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 52%
$107,372/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 64%
$709,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 82%
$1,824/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 64%
242,169
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $995/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $11,940/year.

Median household income is $68,978/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fremont — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fremont?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $995/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fremont?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $68,978/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Fremont details →

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