Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Scottsdale is 170% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,910/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 46%
$107,372/yr ↑ 130%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 57%
$709,900 ↑ 489%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 83%
$1,824/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 45%
242,169
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $871/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,452/year.

Median household income is $60,744/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Rochester — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Rochester?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $871/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Rochester?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $60,744/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Rochester details →

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