Phoenix, AZ vs. Scottsdale, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Phoenix vs Scottsdale. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Phoenix vs Scottsdale in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Phoenix and Scottsdale compare for common housing types:
| Housing Type | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,400 | $3,200 |
🏆 Winner: Phoenix. Housing costs are about 25-35% lower in Phoenix compared to Scottsdale.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another major monthly expense. In Phoenix, expect to pay around $200/month for a 2BR apartment or $300/month for a 3BR home. Scottsdale utility costs are similar, averaging $210/month and $320/month respectively.
Both cities have hot summers, so budget extra for A/C from May to September. Many electric companies offer off-peak plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Phoenix and Scottsdale.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly consistent across the Phoenix metro area. Expect to spend around $400/month per person on groceries and household items in either city. Eating out is about 10% pricier in Scottsdale, with entrees averaging $18 vs $16 in Phoenix.
🏆 Winner: Phoenix. Slightly lower prices for dining out give Phoenix the edge for daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes and no tax on groceries. However, Scottsdale has higher property taxes (0.6% vs 0.5% in Phoenix). Many Scottsdale neighborhoods also have HOA fees of $200-400/month, while only some Phoenix communities charge HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Phoenix. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees make Phoenix more affordable.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,400 | $3,200 |
| Utilities | $300 | $320 |
| Groceries (2 ppl) | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $900 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,800 | $6,070 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t the only factor in choosing where to live. Consider these lifestyle differences:
- Scottsdale is known for upscale shopping, golf, and resorts. It attracts affluent retirees and vacationers.
- Phoenix offers more diverse neighborhoods, easier commutes, and a younger vibe. It’s popular with families and professionals.
- Scottsdale averages 2°F cooler than Phoenix in summer. But both cities are very hot May-Sept.
7. FAQ
- Is Phoenix more affordable than Scottsdale? Yes, the cost of living is about 20% lower in Phoenix.
- Which city has lower rent? Phoenix rents are around 25% cheaper than Scottsdale.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Phoenix home prices and property taxes are lower than Scottsdale.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Phoenix offers a lower cost of living than Scottsdale, primarily due to more affordable housing. A household moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix might save $400/month on housing alone.
However, Scottsdale’s resort lifestyle and slightly cooler temps may be worth the premium for some. Consider your budget, career, and stage of life when choosing.
For more details, read our full guides on the cost of living in Phoenix or check out monthly budget examples for Phoenix residents.
Phoenix, AZ vs. Scottsdale, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Phoenix vs Scottsdale. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Phoenix vs Scottsdale in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Phoenix and Scottsdale compare for common housing types:
| Housing Type | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,400 | $3,200 |
🏆 Winner: Phoenix. Housing costs are about 25-35% lower in Phoenix compared to Scottsdale.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another major monthly expense. In Phoenix, expect to pay around $200/month for a 2BR apartment or $300/month for a 3BR home. Scottsdale utility costs are similar, averaging $210/month and $320/month respectively.
Both cities have hot summers, so budget extra for A/C from May to September. Many electric companies offer off-peak plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Phoenix and Scottsdale.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly consistent across the Phoenix metro area. Expect to spend around $400/month per person on groceries and household items in either city. Eating out is about 10% pricier in Scottsdale, with entrees averaging $18 vs $16 in Phoenix.
🏆 Winner: Phoenix. Slightly lower prices for dining out give Phoenix the edge for daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes and no tax on groceries. However, Scottsdale has higher property taxes (0.6% vs 0.5% in Phoenix). Many Scottsdale neighborhoods also have HOA fees of $200-400/month, while only some Phoenix communities charge HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Phoenix. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees make Phoenix more affordable.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,400 | $3,200 |
| Utilities | $300 | $320 |
| Groceries (2 ppl) | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $900 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,800 | $6,070 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t the only factor in choosing where to live. Consider these lifestyle differences:
- Scottsdale is known for upscale shopping, golf, and resorts. It attracts affluent retirees and vacationers.
- Phoenix offers more diverse neighborhoods, easier commutes, and a younger vibe. It’s popular with families and professionals.
- Scottsdale averages 2°F cooler than Phoenix in summer. But both cities are very hot May-Sept.
7. FAQ
- Is Phoenix more affordable than Scottsdale? Yes, the cost of living is about 20% lower in Phoenix.
- Which city has lower rent? Phoenix rents are around 25% cheaper than Scottsdale.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Phoenix home prices and property taxes are lower than Scottsdale.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Phoenix offers a lower cost of living than Scottsdale, primarily due to more affordable housing. A household moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix might save $400/month on housing alone.
However, Scottsdale’s resort lifestyle and slightly cooler temps may be worth the premium for some. Consider your budget, career, and stage of life when choosing.
For more details, read our full guides on the cost of living in Phoenix or check out monthly budget examples for Phoenix residents.