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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Scottsdale is 51% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,910/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 25%
$107,372/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 40%
$709,900 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 46%
$1,824/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 19%
242,169
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $43,384/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Scottsdale or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $43,384/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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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