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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Richmond

California
161

Scottsdale is 2% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,910/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ≈ Same
$107,372/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 16%
$709,900 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 8%
$1,824/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 10%
242,169
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,334/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Richmond — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Richmond?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Richmond?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $17,334/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell