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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Ontario

California
152

Scottsdale is 9% more expensive than Ontario.

$1,910/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ≈ Same
$107,372/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 23%
$709,900 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 20%
$1,824/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 8%
242,169
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,566/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Ontario — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Ontario?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Ontario?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $24,566/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Ontario

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa