Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Scottsdale is 85% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,910/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 35%
$107,372/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 40%
$709,900 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 62%
$1,824/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 25%
242,169
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $43,355/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Norfolk?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Norfolk?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $43,355/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Norfolk details →

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