Scottsdale, AZ
A 2.5% flat income tax, low property taxes, a short drive back to LA.
Scottsdale is the closest of these destinations to LA, a little over five hours by car or about an hour by air. Arizona has a 2.5% flat income tax and property taxes that are generally among the lower ones in the country. In the most recent Redfin data the typical Scottsdale home sold for about $933K, versus about $904K for the typical LA County zip code.
The money picture
| Typical LA County zip | Scottsdale, AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $904K | $933K |
| Median price per sq ft | $588 | $430 |
| Median days on market | n/a | 76 |
| State income tax on wages | Progressive, top rate 13.3% | 2.5% flat rate (tax year 2026) |
Market figures: Redfin Data Center. Scottsdale: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026. Medians are a rough guide and hide a wide range of homes. Tax rates as published by each state for tax year 2026; rates change, so verify with the state's revenue department.
Arizona moved to a single 2.5% income tax rate, compared with California's progressive brackets that top out at 13.3%. Arizona property taxes are calculated on a "Limited Property Value," which is capped in how fast it can rise each year, a concept that will feel somewhat familiar to Californians used to Prop 13.
On $200,000 of taxable income, a flat 2.5% rate works out to $5,000 in Arizona state income tax. Under California's brackets the same income would be taxed at a higher blended rate. This is illustrative only and ignores deductions, credits, filing status and the year of the move.
What people tend to weigh
- Proximity. Easy to get back to LA for work, family or a second home.
- Climate. Very hot summers, mild winters. Pool, shade and cooling costs matter.
- Housing stock. Many single-story homes, golf and resort communities, and a large luxury segment in North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.
- Water and HOAs. Many communities have HOAs with their own rules and fees; review them before buying.
Selling the LA side first
The move usually starts with the sale here. Our guide to selling your LA home and moving out of state walks through timing, California withholding at closing, transfer taxes and other things people commonly ask a CPA about.