Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Atlanta is 13% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $65,244 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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