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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Glendale

California
214

Scottsdale is 23% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,910/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 10%
$107,372/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 22%
$709,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 47%
$1,824/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 21%
242,169
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $23,110/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Glendale — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Glendale?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Glendale?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $23,110/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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Glendale details →

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