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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Modesto

California
120

Scottsdale is 38% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,910/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
$107,372/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 27%
$709,900 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 41%
$1,824/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 12%
242,169
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $29,473/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Modesto — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Modesto?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Modesto?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $29,473/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Modesto

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley