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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Seattle is 19% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$1,998/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 4%
$121,984/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↓ 12%
$912,100 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 22%
$2,220/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 18%
741,440
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $14,612/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Seattle or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $14,612/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Arizona?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Scottsdale

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk