Skyline of Scottsdale
Cost of Living: 118.5 243,050

Scottsdale, AZ, US

Desert luxury with golf resorts, spas, art galleries, and premium Arizona living.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 118.5

Above Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 142.5

Above Average

Median Income $92,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.9%

Job market health

Scottsdale vs US Average

Cost of Living
Scottsdale: 118.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Scottsdale: 142.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Scottsdale: 2.59%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 2.6%
  • Sales Tax: 8.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $92,000
  • Unemployment: 2.9%
  • Population: 243,050

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 299/year
  • Summer High: 104°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: $750,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1900/mo

Cost of Living

Scottsdale's cost of living index is 118.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryScottsdaleNational AverageDifference
Overall118.5100+18.5%
Housing142.5100+42.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$750,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1900/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft$500

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Scottsdale:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$155Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$30Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$78Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$75Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$55Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$30Private service
Total Utilities$423Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Scottsdale scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
118.5
Rent
$1900
Sunny Days
299
Tax
2.59%
Unemployment
2.9%
Climate
104°F / 42°F
Safety
0.4 homicides/100k
Population
243,050
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Scottsdale has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April89°F57°F2.8"
July104°F79°F1.5"
October84°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Scottsdale faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 110°F.

Drought Extreme Risk

Arid state with extreme drought conditions.

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Active seismic region.

Flood Moderate Risk

Flash floods.

Blizzard Moderate Risk

Winter storms in mountains.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms in desert regions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 2.59%
  • Sales Tax: 7.95%
  • Property Tax: ~0.62% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Scottsdale per 100,000 residents:

152.5
Violent Crime
1,875.3
Property Crime
0.4
Homicide

Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting

Schools & Education

60/100
School Quality Score
Better than 100% of US cities
?
52
Total Schools
0.2:1
Student:Teacher
100.0%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ, US?

The cost of living index in Scottsdale is 118.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Scottsdale?

The median home price in Scottsdale is $750,000. The housing index is 142.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale is approximately $1900/mo.

Does Scottsdale, AZ have income tax?

Scottsdale is in AZ, which has an income tax rate of 2.59%.

What is the climate like in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale enjoys approximately 299 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 104°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.