Cost of Living in Scottsdale, AZ

Population 242,169 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023

198
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Scottsdale's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $710,000 for a typical home, 133% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $107,372 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Cost Overview

Housing 233
Rent 145

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Scottsdale

The median home value in Scottsdale is $709,900 — 133% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,910/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,372/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Arizona's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Scottsdale has a cost of living index of 198 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 98% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$709,900
133% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$848,564
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,910/mo
45% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,113/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$985
1 BR
$1,055
2 BR
$1,373
3 BR
$1,877
4 BR
$2,092
Owner-occupied 67.6%
Renter-occupied 32.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,910
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,524/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.3 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.1%
Carpooled
4.5%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
1.7%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
29.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 2.5%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 5.6%
Avg local rate 2.8%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$107,372
44% above avg
Per Capita Income
$82,697
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
29% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
Labor Force Participation
61.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.1%
Graduate degree 24.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.2
Male median age 47.6
Female median age 50.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 72 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
183
Max AQI recorded
91
PM2.5 days
193
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ?

Scottsdale has a cost index of 198 (100 = national average). It is 98% above the national average.

What is average rent in Scottsdale, AZ?

The median gross rent in Scottsdale is $1,910 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scottsdale?

The median home value in Scottsdale is $709,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Scottsdale?

The median household income in Scottsdale is $107,372 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scottsdale, AZ?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Scottsdale is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.

Is Scottsdale, AZ affordable?

Scottsdale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 198 — about 98% higher than the national average.