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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Scottsdale is 16% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,910/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 30%
$107,372/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 12%
$709,900 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 2%
$1,824/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 45%
242,169
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $12,554/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $12,554/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Santa Clarita details →

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