Question 1

Is Peoria or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Peoria, AZ is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $49/month less than in Scottsdale, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,743/mo in Peoria versus $1,910/mo in Scottsdale.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Peoria vs Scottsdale?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $80,500/year before tax in Peoria, AZ and $81,500/year in Scottsdale, AZ — a difference of about $1,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Peoria or Scottsdale cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Peoria, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,902/month in Peoria and $11,073/month in Scottsdale, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Peoria or Scottsdale?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Peoria 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	Peoria64	Scottsdale63
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,417	$4,466
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,902	$11,073
Salary for comfort	$80,500/yr	$81,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,743	$1,910
Median home value	$429,400	$709,900
Median household income	$93,403	$107,372
Unemployment	5.1%	4.6%
Housing score	65	46
Jobs score	14	27
Safety score	78	76
Climate score	76	76
Amenities score	66	73
Population	194.3K	242.2K
Summer high / winter low	104° / 44°	104° / 43°

Peoria, AZ vs Scottsdale, AZ