Scottsdale, AZ Utility & Living Guide

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Scottsdale, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Scottsdale is a city in eastern Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, and is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Named Scottsdale in 1894 after its founder Winfield Scott, a retired U.S. Army chaplain, the city was incorporated in 1951 with a population of 2,000. At the 2020 census, the popula

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1300/mo
Sales Tax8.1%
COL Index107 (+7% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Scottsdale
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Arizona Public Service (APS)
🔥 Gas

$30/mo

Southwest Gas
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Scottsdale Water Resources
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

City of Scottsdale Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms$2200/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate0.81%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The Scottsdale housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of luxury homes, condos, and apartments. The area is known for its high-end amenities and desirable location. However, this comes with a higher price tag, making it challenging for some buyers to find affordable options.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

107

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+7% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8.1%
Property Tax Rate0.81%
<p>State 5.6% + County 0.7% + City 1.8%</p>

Arizona has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.54%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in technology, healthcare, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Scottsdale has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a growing network of bike lanes and pedestrian paths

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Butterfly Wonderland
  • 🎯
    OdySea Aquarium
  • 🎯
    McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Scottsdale include Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, and DC Ranch, which offer a range of amenities, parks, and highly-rated schools. These areas are also relatively safe and have a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Scottsdale based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Scottsdale has regulations in place to preserve its natural environment and maintain its high standard of living, including rules on outdoor lighting, landscaping, and construction

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📊 Scottsdale — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Scottsdale tend to be higher in the summer months due to the need for air conditioning, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% from June to August. In contrast, winter months see a decrease in utility costs, with average bills dropping by 10-20% from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 0.5 to 1.5, with some areas having additional local surtaxes, such as the Scottsdale Unified School District's 0.25% override tax

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, making it easy to navigate with a stroller, although some areas may lack elevator access in older buildings

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