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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Scottsdale is 20% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,910/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 4%
$107,372/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 21%
$709,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 33%
$1,824/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 2%
242,169
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $22,755/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $22,755/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Santa Maria

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton