Scottsdale, AZ vs Tempe, AZ

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Tempe is 26.8% cheaper than Scottsdale. With a cost index of 120 vs 153, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Tempe to Scottsdale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month compared to $1,623/month in Tempe — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Tempe is more affordable at $421,900 median vs $709,900.

Median household income in Scottsdale is $107,372 compared to $77,643 in Tempe (+38.3%). While Scottsdale is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Scottsdale spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Tempe.