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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Scottsdale is 46% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,910/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 56%
$107,372/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 62%
$709,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 115%
$1,824/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 67%
242,169
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,075/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $12,900/year.

Median household income is $66,298/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,075/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $66,298/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Santa Clara

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville