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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Scottsdale is 31% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,910/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 16%
$107,372/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 22%
$709,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 36%
$1,824/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 4%
242,169
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $23,515/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Tacoma?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Tacoma?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $23,515/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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Tacoma details →

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