Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Scottsdale is 83% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,910/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 40%
$107,372/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 39%
$709,900 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 54%
$1,824/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 33%
242,169
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $41,627/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Spokane — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Spokane?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Spokane?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $41,627/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Spokane details →

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