Moving From California to Scottsdale: Taxes, Home Prices, Cost of Living & Lifestyle Compared
Relocating to Arizona Brent Votroubek June 24, 2026
Relocating to Arizona Brent Votroubek June 24, 2026
Every year, more Californians make the move to Scottsdale looking for something that's becoming increasingly difficult to find back home: more value, lower taxes, and a lifestyle that feels easier to enjoy.
Whether you're coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, or the Bay Area, the same questions usually come up:
As a Scottsdale real estate advisor, I work with California buyers every month. Here's what you should know before making the move.
The reasons vary, but most buyers are looking for a combination of:
☀️ Better weather
💰 Lower taxes
🏡 More house for the money
⛳ Outdoor lifestyle
🏫 Strong schools
🛡️ Safe communities
✈️ Easy travel access
For many buyers, Scottsdale offers a balance between luxury living and affordability that has become increasingly difficult to find in many California markets.
California's top state income tax rate reaches 13.3%, making it one of the highest-tax states in the country.
Arizona currently uses a flat income tax rate of 2.5%.
For higher-income households, this difference can be significant.
Many California professionals, business owners, retirees, and remote workers discover that moving to Arizona allows them to keep substantially more of their annual income.
Over time, those savings can become one of the largest financial benefits of relocating.
California homeowners generally pay around 0.7% of their home's assessed value annually, although rates vary by county and special assessments.
Many Scottsdale homeowners experience effective property tax rates closer to 0.3%.
For homeowners purchasing higher-value properties, those annual savings can add up quickly over the years.
This is where many California buyers are pleasantly surprised.
In many parts of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco, seven-figure home prices have become common.
Many buyers are paying premium prices for smaller homes, limited lot sizes, and older housing inventory.
Scottsdale certainly isn't inexpensive.
However, many California buyers discover they can purchase:
For a similar budget to what they may already be spending in California.
The result is often more usable living space and a higher overall quality of life.
For many Californians, the move becomes less about taxes and more about lifestyle.
Scottsdale offers:
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, residents enjoy:
throughout much of the year.
Scottsdale is known for:
Many buyers appreciate the combination of luxury and convenience.
Popular neighborhoods offer:
making Scottsdale attractive for both families and retirees.
One difference many California buyers notice is the prevalence of master-planned communities.
Neighborhoods such as:
often include HOA fees that help maintain community standards.
These fees may cover:
Depending on the neighborhood, HOA costs can vary significantly.
Before purchasing, buyers should always review:
A well-managed HOA often plays a major role in preserving property values.
Several Scottsdale communities consistently attract California buyers.
Known for:
One of Scottsdale's most prestigious communities featuring:
Popular for:
Offers:
In many cases, Scottsdale offers lower taxes and more home for the money, although housing costs vary by market and neighborhood.
Many buyers are attracted by lower taxes, outdoor living, luxury housing options, and a lower overall cost of ownership.
Yes. Scottsdale remains one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country due to its climate, healthcare access, recreation, and lifestyle.
Many California buyers find they can purchase larger, newer, or more amenity-rich homes in Scottsdale for a similar budget.
Lower taxes, more sunshine, outdoor recreation, luxury communities, and greater purchasing power are among the most commonly cited advantages.
Every buyer's situation is different.
Some move primarily for financial reasons.
Others are seeking a different pace of life.
Most discover that Scottsdale offers a combination of tax advantages, lifestyle benefits, luxury housing, and year-round outdoor living that is difficult to match elsewhere.
For many California buyers, the move isn't just about saving money.
It's about getting more life out of every dollar spent.
Watch this video where I break down the four biggest numbers California buyers need to understand before moving to Scottsdale, including income taxes, property taxes, home prices, HOA fees, and why so many Californians are making Arizona their new home.
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