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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Scottsdale is 15% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,910/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 11%
$107,372/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 3%
$709,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 21%
$1,824/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 23%
242,169
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $3,153/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fullerton?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fullerton?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $3,153/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Fullerton

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