Housing Costs in Scottsdale
Housing is the biggest expense for most Scottsdale residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale is around $2,100 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom house, expect to pay between $2,600 and $3,200 per month in rent or mortgage payments.
Scottsdale offers a range of housing options, from luxury condos to single-family homes in master-planned communities. Newer developments often come with amenities like pools, fitness centers, and gated security. Prices vary based on location, size, and age of the property.
| Housing Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| 3BR House (Rent) | $2,600 – $3,200 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,800 – $3,500 |
Many Scottsdale neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs) that charge monthly or annual fees for maintenance and amenities. HOA fees can range from $100 to over $500 per month, so factor this into your housing budget.
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or mortgage payments, Scottsdale residents need to budget for utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. Utility costs vary based on the size of your home, energy-efficiency, and usage patterns.
Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs rising in the hot summer months when air conditioning is a must. Gas bills average $30-50 per month if you have gas appliances. Water, sewer, and trash fees are often around $80-100 per month.
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 – $250 |
| Gas | $30 – $50 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $80 – $100 |
| Internet/Cable | $100 – $150 |
Many homes in Scottsdale have pools, which can add $50-100 per month in maintenance and increased utility costs. Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to combat high cooling bills in the Valley of the Sun.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Scottsdale offers a variety of grocery stores, from upscale health food markets to budget-friendly chains. On average, expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $800-1,000 for a family of four.
Dining out is popular in Scottsdale, with a wide selection of local eateries and trendy restaurants. A typical meal out for two people averages $50-80, not including alcohol. Grabbing a quick lunch costs around $12-15 per person.
For a typical Scottsdale household, budget at least $500 per month for groceries, dining out, and household essentials like cleaning supplies and toiletries. This can easily rise to $1,000 or more for larger families or those who frequently eat out.
Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes compared to other states, with a top rate of 4.5% for high earners. The statewide sales tax is 5.6%, but most cities add their own sales taxes on top of this. In Scottsdale, expect to pay a total of 7.95% in sales taxes on most purchases.
Property taxes in Scottsdale average 0.55% of a home’s assessed value. For a $500,000 house, this equates to around $2,750 per year or $230 per month. Vehicle registration fees are $8 per $100 in assessed value, averaging $200-300 annually for a newer car.
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Income Tax | 2.59% – 4.50% |
| Sales Tax | 7.95% |
| Property Tax | 0.55% assessed value |
Monthly Budget Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Scottsdale? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,500 | $2,200 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $250 | $350 | $500 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $500 | $800 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total | $3,150 | $4,950 | $6,900 |
| Comfortable Gross Income | $50K | $80K | $110K |
Keep in mind these are approximate pre-tax figures. To live comfortably in Scottsdale, aim for a gross monthly income (before taxes) of at least $4,200 for a single person, $6,600 for a couple, or $9,200 for a family of four.
Lifestyle Considerations
Scottsdale is known for its high quality of life, with abundant sunshine, golf courses, hiking trails, and a vibrant downtown. The city has excellent public schools, low crime rates, and easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
However, this appealing lifestyle comes at a cost. Housing in Scottsdale is more expensive than many other parts of the Phoenix metro area. Newer homes with luxury amenities command premium prices, while older properties may be more affordable but require updates.
Traffic congestion can be a challenge, especially during snowbird season. But with plenty of employment hubs in Scottsdale itself, including the Scottsdale Airpark and SkySong Innovation Center, many residents enjoy reasonable commutes. Scottsdale is also very bikeable, with an extensive network of paths and bike lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Is Scottsdale an expensive place to live?
A: Compared to the national average, Scottsdale’s cost of living is higher, particularly for housing. However, salaries tend to be higher as well, and residents enjoy a premium quality of life. -
Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Scottsdale?
A: A comfortable lifestyle in Scottsdale requires a gross monthly income of at least $4,200 for a single person, $6,600 for a couple, or $9,200 for a family of four. -
Q: Are taxes high in Scottsdale?
A: Arizona has lower income taxes than many states, but sales taxes in Scottsdale are slightly higher than the national average at 7.95%. Property taxes are around 0.55% of assessed home value. -
Q: What salary do you need to buy a house in Scottsdale?
A: To afford a median-priced home in Scottsdale, which was $600,000 in 2025, you’d need a household income of around $120,000, assuming a 20% down payment. -
Q: Is Scottsdale more expensive than Phoenix?
A: Yes, Scottsdale’s cost of living is about 10-20% higher than Phoenix, mainly due to higher housing costs. However, many people find the higher quality of life in Scottsdale worth the premium. -
Q: What’s the average electric bill in Scottsdale?
A: Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity in a 2-bedroom Scottsdale apartment, with costs rising in the summer months. Larger homes have higher bills. -
Q: How much is the average water bill in Scottsdale?
A: The typical household in Scottsdale pays around $80 per month for water, sewer, and trash service. This can be higher for homes with pools or large landscaping.
Housing Costs in Scottsdale
Housing is the biggest expense for most Scottsdale residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale is around $2,100 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom house, expect to pay between $2,600 and $3,200 per month in rent or mortgage payments.
Scottsdale offers a range of housing options, from luxury condos to single-family homes in master-planned communities. Newer developments often come with amenities like pools, fitness centers, and gated security. Prices vary based on location, size, and age of the property.
| Housing Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| 3BR House (Rent) | $2,600 – $3,200 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,800 – $3,500 |
Many Scottsdale neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs) that charge monthly or annual fees for maintenance and amenities. HOA fees can range from $100 to over $500 per month, so factor this into your housing budget.
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or mortgage payments, Scottsdale residents need to budget for utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. Utility costs vary based on the size of your home, energy-efficiency, and usage patterns.
Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs rising in the hot summer months when air conditioning is a must. Gas bills average $30-50 per month if you have gas appliances. Water, sewer, and trash fees are often around $80-100 per month.
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 – $250 |
| Gas | $30 – $50 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $80 – $100 |
| Internet/Cable | $100 – $150 |
Many homes in Scottsdale have pools, which can add $50-100 per month in maintenance and increased utility costs. Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to combat high cooling bills in the Valley of the Sun.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Scottsdale offers a variety of grocery stores, from upscale health food markets to budget-friendly chains. On average, expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $800-1,000 for a family of four.
Dining out is popular in Scottsdale, with a wide selection of local eateries and trendy restaurants. A typical meal out for two people averages $50-80, not including alcohol. Grabbing a quick lunch costs around $12-15 per person.
For a typical Scottsdale household, budget at least $500 per month for groceries, dining out, and household essentials like cleaning supplies and toiletries. This can easily rise to $1,000 or more for larger families or those who frequently eat out.
Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes compared to other states, with a top rate of 4.5% for high earners. The statewide sales tax is 5.6%, but most cities add their own sales taxes on top of this. In Scottsdale, expect to pay a total of 7.95% in sales taxes on most purchases.
Property taxes in Scottsdale average 0.55% of a home’s assessed value. For a $500,000 house, this equates to around $2,750 per year or $230 per month. Vehicle registration fees are $8 per $100 in assessed value, averaging $200-300 annually for a newer car.
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Income Tax | 2.59% – 4.50% |
| Sales Tax | 7.95% |
| Property Tax | 0.55% assessed value |
Monthly Budget Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Scottsdale? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,500 | $2,200 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $250 | $350 | $500 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $500 | $800 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total | $3,150 | $4,950 | $6,900 |
| Comfortable Gross Income | $50K | $80K | $110K |
Keep in mind these are approximate pre-tax figures. To live comfortably in Scottsdale, aim for a gross monthly income (before taxes) of at least $4,200 for a single person, $6,600 for a couple, or $9,200 for a family of four.
Lifestyle Considerations
Scottsdale is known for its high quality of life, with abundant sunshine, golf courses, hiking trails, and a vibrant downtown. The city has excellent public schools, low crime rates, and easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
However, this appealing lifestyle comes at a cost. Housing in Scottsdale is more expensive than many other parts of the Phoenix metro area. Newer homes with luxury amenities command premium prices, while older properties may be more affordable but require updates.
Traffic congestion can be a challenge, especially during snowbird season. But with plenty of employment hubs in Scottsdale itself, including the Scottsdale Airpark and SkySong Innovation Center, many residents enjoy reasonable commutes. Scottsdale is also very bikeable, with an extensive network of paths and bike lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Is Scottsdale an expensive place to live?
A: Compared to the national average, Scottsdale’s cost of living is higher, particularly for housing. However, salaries tend to be higher as well, and residents enjoy a premium quality of life. -
Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Scottsdale?
A: A comfortable lifestyle in Scottsdale requires a gross monthly income of at least $4,200 for a single person, $6,600 for a couple, or $9,200 for a family of four. -
Q: Are taxes high in Scottsdale?
A: Arizona has lower income taxes than many states, but sales taxes in Scottsdale are slightly higher than the national average at 7.95%. Property taxes are around 0.55% of assessed home value. -
Q: What salary do you need to buy a house in Scottsdale?
A: To afford a median-priced home in Scottsdale, which was $600,000 in 2025, you’d need a household income of around $120,000, assuming a 20% down payment. -
Q: Is Scottsdale more expensive than Phoenix?
A: Yes, Scottsdale’s cost of living is about 10-20% higher than Phoenix, mainly due to higher housing costs. However, many people find the higher quality of life in Scottsdale worth the premium. -
Q: What’s the average electric bill in Scottsdale?
A: Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity in a 2-bedroom Scottsdale apartment, with costs rising in the summer months. Larger homes have higher bills. -
Q: How much is the average water bill in Scottsdale?
A: The typical household in Scottsdale pays around $80 per month for water, sewer, and trash service. This can be higher for homes with pools or large landscaping.