Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Provo, UT (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Scottsdale is 62% more expensive than Provo.

$1,910/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 40%
$107,372/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 42%
$709,900 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 38%
$1,824/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 33%
242,169
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $44,572/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Provo — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Provo?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Provo?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $44,572/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Provo

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Provo vs. Waterbury Provo vs. Elgin Provo vs. Carlsbad Provo vs. Odessa Provo vs. East Los Angeles Provo vs. Springfield