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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Scottsdale is 52% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,910/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 60%
$107,372/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 69%
$709,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 156%
$1,824/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 65%
242,169
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,155/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $13,860/year.

Median household income is $74,490/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,155/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $74,490/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Sunnyvale details →

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