Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Scottsdale is 158% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,910/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 45%
$107,372/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 48%
$709,900 ↑ 378%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 79%
$1,824/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 44%
242,169
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $851/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $10,212/year.

Median household income is $51,685/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Montgomery?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $851/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Montgomery?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $51,685/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Montgomery details →

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