Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Salem, OR (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Scottsdale is 57% more expensive than Salem.

$1,910/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 31%
$107,372/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 33%
$709,900 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 46%
$1,824/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 21%
242,169
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $587/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $7,044/year.

Median household income is $35,472/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Salem — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Salem?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $587/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Salem?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $35,472/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Salem details →

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