Phoenix vs Scottsdale
Same state, same income tax rules. The real differences between these two Arizona markets are price, space and pace, measured here against a typical LA home.
| Phoenix, AZ | Scottsdale, AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $468K | $933K |
| Median single-family | $490K | $1.35M |
| Median condo | $290K | $345K |
| Median $/sq ft | $279 | $430 |
| Median days on market | 52 | 76 |
| Avg sale-to-list | 97.9% | 96.4% |
| Sq ft for $1M (at median $/sq ft) | 3,580 | 2,330 |
| Californians who moved to the state (2024) | 52,383 | 52,383 |
Redfin Data Center, May 2026, all residential unless noted. Typical LA County zip for reference: $904K median, $588/sq ft, 44 median days on market. Mover counts: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, estimates with margins of error.
The short version
Phoenix is the less expensive of the two at the median, about $468K versus $933K in Scottsdale, roughly 50% less (Redfin, May 2026). $1 million covers roughly 3,580 square feet in Phoenix at the median price per square foot, versus about 2,330 in Scottsdale. Phoenix homes have been moving faster, 52 median days on market versus 76 in Scottsdale. Both are in Arizona, so state income tax doesn't separate them: Arizona has a 2.5% flat income tax (tax year 2026). About 52,000 people moved from California to Arizona in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024).
Taxes
Both cities: 2.5% flat rate (tax year 2026). Because Phoenix and Scottsdale are in the same state, the income tax side is a wash. Property tax, insurance and HOA costs vary by address in both places and can matter as much as income tax, so price them for any specific home.
Go deeper
Read the full guides: moving from LA to Phoenix and moving from LA to Scottsdale. Or see the state picture: moving from California to Arizona.
Common questions
Is Phoenix or Scottsdale cheaper?
Phoenix had the lower median sale price, about $468K versus $933K in Scottsdale (Redfin, May 2026), roughly 50% less at the median.
Which has lower state income tax, Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Neither. Phoenix and Scottsdale are both in Arizona, so the state income tax is the same: Arizona has a 2.5% flat income tax (tax year 2026). Rates change, so confirm with the state and a CPA.
What does $1 million buy in Phoenix vs Scottsdale?
At the median price per square foot, $1 million works out to roughly 3,580 square feet in Phoenix and 2,330 in Scottsdale, versus about 1,700 at the LA median. A rough illustration, not a listing.
