City Report · AZ

Scottsdale

Pop. 243,821·9th most expensive in Arizona·Rental market data updated monthly for Scottsdale, AZ
Median rent (all units)
$2,173/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.9%
Month-over-Month
+0.3%
vs US Median
+$208
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Scottsdale · $2,173
More expensive than 68% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
79/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 14% below what Scottsdale's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,173/mo
Expected by trend
$2,537/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Scottsdale's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,972
1 BR
$2,163
2 BR
$2,512
3 BR
$3,380
4 BR+
$3,781
Research median
$2,512/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$26,076/yr
At $2,173/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (3.9% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.9% YoY, +0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Scottsdale, AZ is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 61.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
243,821
Median income
$110,886
Median age
49
Renters
33%
Age distribution
13.9%
20.5%
23.4%
15.8%
26.4%
Under 1813.9%
18–3420.5%
35–5423.4%
55–6415.8%
65+26.4%
Gender
48.2%
51.8%
Male48.2%
Female51.8%
Race & ethnicity
79.7%
White79.7%
Black2.2%
Hispanic10.6%
Asian4.9%
Other2.6%
Education (25+)
24.4%
61.9%
No HS diploma2.4%
HS diploma11.2%
Some college24.4%
Bachelor's+61.9%
Housing tenure
67%
33%
Owner67%
Renter33%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Scottsdale, AZ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,710 → $2,173
up 27.1%
Income
$97,409 → $110,886
up 13.8%
Population
238,685 → 243,821
up 2.2%
Renter share
33.4% → 33%
-0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
60.2% → 61.9%
+1.7 pts
Median age
47.9 → 49
+1.1 yrs

The median rent in Scottsdale, AZ stood at $1,710 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,173, reflecting a 27.1% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $97,409 in 2021 to $110,886 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 2.2% since 2021, moving from about 238,685 residents to roughly 243,821. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Scottsdale, AZ market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Scottsdale

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View Scottsdale rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Scottsdale on your salary?

At $2,173/mo, how Scottsdale rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Scottsdale rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Scottsdale. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Scottsdale

About renting in Scottsdale, AZ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Scottsdale is $2,173/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,972/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,512/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,163/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,380/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($110,886/yr), Scottsdale ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Scottsdale an affordable city for renters?

Scottsdale is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,173/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($110,886/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Scottsdale falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Scottsdale?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $87,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,173/mo in Scottsdale. The local median household income is $110,886/yr, meaning the typical Scottsdale household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Scottsdale?

Rent in Scottsdale has increased 3.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Scottsdale neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Scottsdale are 85259 ($1,778/mo), 85257 ($1,958/mo), and 85251 ($2,020/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Scottsdale is $2,173/mo.

How does Scottsdale rent compare to other cities in Arizona?

Scottsdale is one of the pricier cities in Arizona for rent, ranking #9 out of 51 tracked cities at $2,173/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Scottsdale?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Scottsdale ($2,173/mo): Mesa ($1,549/mo), Phoenix ($1,569/mo), Tempe ($1,667/mo).

What percentage of Scottsdale residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33% of Scottsdale households are renters, while 67% are owner-occupied. Scottsdale leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Scottsdale rent compare to the national average?

Scottsdale's median rent of $2,173/mo is $208 (11%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Arizona, it ranks #9 out of 51 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,173/mo, rent takes ~24% of Scottsdale's median household income ($110,886/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Scottsdale 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.5%
Run the Scottsdale affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Scottsdale, AZ

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