Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Scottsdale is 41% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,910/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 30%
$107,372/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 30%
$709,900 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 30%
$1,824/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 24%
242,169
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $32,447/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $32,447/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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Salt Lake City details →

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