Question 1

Is Glendale or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Glendale, AZ is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $451/month less than in Scottsdale, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,397/mo in Glendale versus $1,910/mo in Scottsdale.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Glendale vs Scottsdale?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $72,000/year before tax in Glendale, AZ and $81,500/year in Scottsdale, AZ — a difference of about $9,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Glendale or Scottsdale cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Glendale, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,549/month in Glendale and $11,073/month in Scottsdale, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Glendale or Scottsdale?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Glendale costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Glendale62	Scottsdale63
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,015	$4,466
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,549	$11,073
Salary for comfort	$72,000/yr	$81,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,397	$1,910
Median home value	$347,000	$709,900
Median household income	$70,139	$107,372
Unemployment	5.1%	4.6%
Housing score	58	46
Jobs score	14	27
Safety score	57	76
Climate score	72	76
Amenities score	79	73
Population	250.2K	242.2K
Summer high / winter low	106° / 46°	104° / 43°

Glendale, AZ vs Scottsdale, AZ