Cost of Living in Scottsdale

If you love a temperate climate all year round, gorgeous desert scenery, fantastic golf resorts and spa experiences, and an eclectic yet laid-back environment, Scottsdale is the place to be.

We’ve got over 800 restaurants for those who love to eat, drink and be merry. We have museums, art galleries, and architectural gems for those who want to soak up some culture. For outdoorsy types, the Sonoran Desert offers adventures like sunset jeep tours, sunrise or sunset guided hiking excursions, and kayaking on the beautiful rivers that flow through the multicolored landscape.

If you’ve never been to Scottsdale, we predict you’ll want to stay, but with all of those amenities (and more), the cost of living in this city of 247,195 people can get pricey. That’s why ensuring you’re financially ready before putting down roots is essential.

Here are some key factors to consider when moving to Scottsdale:

Housing

Housing costs in Scottsdale tend to be higher than the national average, but you’ll find a range of housing options in Scottsdale, from modest apartments to spacious luxury estates, so you can expect prices to vary depending on the size and location of the property. On average, buying a home will cost you around $690,000. The average cost for renting an apartment in Scottsdale, AZ, is $2,059.

Utilities

Utilities like electricity and water are relatively on par with the national average, but, of course, your actual utility bills will depend on your usage and the efficiency of your home. As of 2023, Scottsdale residents spend about $280 monthly on electricity; that’s $3,360 annually. Your sewer and water bill will likely average about $125.

Transportation

Scottsdale has a well-developed road infrastructure, and many residents rely on cars to get from point A to point B. Gas prices can fluctuate according to where you stop to top off, but generally run about $4.12 per gallon. If you plan to use public transportation, bus services are available, and the Valley Metro light rail connects Scottsdale to other parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area for $20.00 per day for unlimited rides. A local 31-day pass will cost you $64.00.

Groceries

Grocery prices in Scottsdale are generally on par with the national average, with some items being more or less expensive. A gallon of whole milk from the grocery will likely set you back around $3.90, a loaf of bread $3.97, and a pound of coffee $6.97.

Healthcare

Scottsdale has several healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, and the cost of getting care can vary depending on your insurance coverage and medical needs. On average, healthcare in Scottsdale runs 4% above the national average. A visit to the doctor will likely cost you $129.66, a routine visit to the dentist will cost you about $111.87, an optometrist appointment runs about $122.13, and the average prescription cost is $477.72.

Entertainment & Dining

Scottsdale offers a wide range of entertainment and dining options, from upscale restaurants to more budget-friendly choices. Costs can vary greatly depending on your preferences, but you can expect to pay around $57.10 for dinner for two in a mid-priced restaurant. The tab for grabbing a beer with friends after work will run you $7.02 on average, or catching up over a cup of coffee typically costs about $6.00.

Taxes

Scottsdale’s sales tax rate is 8.05% as of 2023. This includes a 5.6% Arizona state sales tax, 0.7% Maricopa County sales tax, and 1.75% transaction privilege tax in the city of Scottsdale.

Interestingly, you don’t have to be an actual resident of Scottsdale to pay Arizona state income tax. If you’re a full-time resident, you’ll calculate your tax bill according to the income you collect both in and out of the state. For part-time residents, you’ll include income you received as a resident plus payment from any sources inside Arizona while you’re not living here. Finally, if you don’t live in Arizona but still collect income from Arizona sources, you’ll still pay a portion of Arizona state income taxes.

Ready to Live the Scottsdale Lifestyle?

We hope this post helps you to get a better understanding of how much it costs to live in our gorgeous city. While the cost of living may seem intimidating at first, with a little budgeting and planning, it’s possible to live comfortably in Scottsdale without breaking the bank!

Remember: It’s important to note that cost-of-living expenses can change over time due to economic factors, so checking the most up-to-date information from credible sources and government websites to get a more accurate picture of the cost of living in Scottsdale is recommended.

Cost of Living in Scottsdale