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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Scottsdale is 4% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,910/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 9%
$107,372/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↓ 9%
$709,900 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$685,000 ↓ 4%
$1,824/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 17%
242,169
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $9,962/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $9,962/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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Santa Rosa

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