Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Scottsdale is 29% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,910/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 4%
$107,372/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 10%
$709,900 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 43%
$1,824/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 2%
242,169
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $11,115/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Richardson — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Richardson?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Richardson?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $11,115/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Richardson

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater