Is Tempe, AZ cheaper than Scottsdale, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Tempe, AZ is 2.7% more expensive than Scottsdale, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $203 per month.

What salary do I need in Tempe, AZ to live like I do in Scottsdale, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Scottsdale, AZ, you'd need approximately $152,441.86 in Tempe, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?

Housing in Tempe, AZ is 2.5% more expensive than in Scottsdale, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ compared to $2,295/month in Scottsdale, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Tempe, AZ?

Living in Tempe, AZ costs approximately $203 more per month than Scottsdale, AZ, or $2442 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Scottsdale, AZ vs Tempe, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Scottsdale, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $203/month more in Tempe, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.4K in Tempe, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$203

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Scottsdale, AZ

Population:241K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$842K

Tempe, AZ

Population:190K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$452K

Scottsdale, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

241K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 241K residents.

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 190K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Scottsdale, AZ vs Tempe, AZ

Category	Scottsdale, AZ	Tempe, AZ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,677/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $97.09more	5.8%
Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,859/mo	↑ $70.17more	2.5%
All Utilities	$561/mo	$546/mo	↓ $14.75less	2.6%
Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $4.00less	0.4%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,489/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↑ 5.8%

Scottsdale, AZ

$1,677

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Difference

$97.09

Housing

↑ 2.5%

Scottsdale, AZ

$2,788

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Difference

$70.17

All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Scottsdale, AZ

$561

Tempe, AZ

$546

Difference

$14.75

less

Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Scottsdale, AZ

$963

Tempe, AZ

$959

Difference

$4.00

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Scottsdale, AZ

$1,489

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Scottsdale, AZ

$589

Tempe, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,815

To$1,620

↓ $195

1 Bed

From$1,975

To$1,760

↓ $215

2 Bed

From$2,295

To$2,045

↓ $250

3 Bed

From$3,060

To$2,725

↓ $335

Scottsdale, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,068

Monthly in Scottsdale, AZ

$8,216

Monthly in Tempe, AZ

$149

Difference

Home Values

Scottsdale

Tempe

$842K

Median Value

$452K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +46.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.9%

$522K - $1.51M

Price Range

$397K - $701K

Homes in Tempe are 46% less expensive than Scottsdale

Calculate payment - Scottsdale Calculate payment - Tempe

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Scottsdale, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Tempe, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Scottsdale, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Tempe, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.