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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Scottsdale is 25% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,910/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 16%
$107,372/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 3%
$709,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 47%
$1,824/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 28%
242,169
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $3,594/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $3,594/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Pasadena details →

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