Scottsdale, AZ vs Tucson, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison
Tucson has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Scottsdale | Tucson | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 160 | 81 | Tucson |
| Housing | 204 ($1,337) | 70 ($755) | Tucson |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Scottsdale |
| Food & groceries | 144 ($590) | 73 ($299) | Tucson |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 85 ($126) | Tucson |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 85 ($91) | Tucson |
| Median annual wage | 103 ($50,060) | 103 ($50,060) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scottsdale, AZ or Tucson, AZ cheaper to live in?
Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall by about 79 index points (Scottsdale, AZ: 160, Tucson, AZ: 81; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Scottsdale, AZ vs Tucson, AZ?
A single adult needs roughly $56,000/year in Scottsdale, AZ and $28,350/year in Tucson, AZ to cover basic living costs.