Moving to Scottsdale, Arizona? Here's What It Actually Costs to Live Here
Relocating to Arizona Brent Votroubek June 22, 2026
Relocating to Arizona Brent Votroubek June 22, 2026
If you're thinking about moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, one of the first questions you're probably asking is:
"How much does it actually cost to live in Scottsdale?"
The answer depends on your lifestyle, the type of home you buy, and where in Scottsdale you choose to live. But after helping relocation buyers move to Scottsdale from California, Illinois, New York, Washington, and dozens of other states, I've found that most people are looking for a realistic answer, not an online calculator estimate.
Let's break down the real numbers.
Housing is by far the biggest expense for most Scottsdale residents.
For this example, let's use a Scottsdale single-family home priced around $1.2 million.
With a 20% down payment:
At current mortgage rates, the principal and interest payment is approximately $6,000 per month.
However, that's only part of the equation.
Most affordability calculators stop at the mortgage payment, but homeowners in Scottsdale also need to account for:
A typical breakdown may look like:
Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
Principal & Interest | $6,000 |
Property Taxes | $300 |
Homeowners Insurance | $150 |
HOA Fees | $300-$500+ |
Total Housing Cost | $6,500-$7,000+ |
This is the number buyers should use when determining affordability.
Many lenders allow buyers to spend up to 43% of their gross income on housing and debt obligations.
But qualifying for a home and living comfortably are two very different things.
If you want to:
Most financial advisors recommend keeping housing expenses around 28% to 30% of gross income.
Using a monthly housing cost of approximately $7,000:
For buyers purchasing Scottsdale's median-priced luxury homes, a household income near $300,000 annually provides significantly more flexibility and financial comfort.
Here's the good news:
You don't need a $300,000 income to live in Scottsdale.
In fact, there are several paths into the market.
Many condos and townhomes in Scottsdale are available at significantly lower price points than detached homes.
Depending on location and amenities, many buyers can comfortably enter the market with incomes closer to the $100,000-$150,000 range.
Older areas of Scottsdale often offer smaller homes, mature landscaping, established communities, and more approachable pricing than North Scottsdale luxury neighborhoods.
For many buyers, these areas provide an excellent balance between affordability and location.
Increasing your down payment to 30% or 40% can dramatically reduce your monthly housing expense and lower the income required to comfortably afford a home.
The reality is that Scottsdale offers opportunities across a wide range of budgets.
Many buyers moving from high-tax states focus only on home prices.
What they often overlook is how much they may save annually in taxes.
Arizona currently has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
For buyers relocating from states with significantly higher tax burdens, this can create meaningful annual savings.
Arizona also benefits from relatively low effective property tax rates compared to many major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
For homeowners moving from California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, the long-term savings can be substantial.
While Scottsdale home prices may be higher than many parts of the country, ongoing ownership costs are often lower than buyers expect.
Summer air conditioning costs are one of the most important budget considerations.
From June through September, homeowners should expect higher electricity bills as temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees.
Groceries are generally slightly above the national average but comparable to other desirable metropolitan areas.
Scottsdale offers everything from casual neighborhood restaurants to nationally recognized fine dining experiences.
Dining costs are generally comparable to other major cities.
One major advantage of Scottsdale is access to world-class healthcare.
Facilities such as Mayo Clinic and HonorHealth attract residents from around the country and provide exceptional healthcare options close to home.
For many residents, the answer is yes.
Scottsdale offers:
Many of my relocation clients tell me that within a year of moving here, they feel they're receiving more value for their money than they did in their previous city.
The real cost of living in Scottsdale depends on your goals, housing preferences, and lifestyle.
For buyers targeting Scottsdale's higher-end single-family home market, a household income around $300,000 often provides the most comfortable path to homeownership.
However, Scottsdale is far from a one-size-fits-all market.
Whether you're considering a condo, townhome, starter home, luxury property, or retirement residence, there are opportunities available across a wide range of budgets.
If you're considering moving to Scottsdale and would like help understanding what your budget translates to in today's market, reach out anytime. I'd be happy to run the numbers and help you determine what makes the most sense for your situation.
Watch this video to learn what it really costs to live in Scottsdale, Arizona, including home prices, taxes, HOA fees, and the income needed to live comfortably.
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