Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Scottsdale is 19% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $60,691 in Scottsdale.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Scottsdale has a housing index of 162 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Scottsdale scores 103 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Scottsdale.
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