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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Scottsdale is 27% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,910/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 27%
$107,372/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 12%
$709,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 48%
$1,824/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 34%
242,169
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $12,513/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $12,513/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Huntington Beach details →

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