2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Scotts Valley, CA vs Cottonwood, AZ

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Cottonwood or is it cheaper to live in Scotts Valley?
- Cottonwood is 38.7% less expensive than Scotts Valley.

Which city has more affordable housing, Cottonwood or Scotts Valley?
- Cottonwood housing costs are 73.3% less expensive than Scotts Valley housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Scotts Valley or is Health Care more affordable in Cottonwood.
- Health related expenses are 18.6% more in Cottonwood.
 Scotts Valley, CACottonwood, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock114.1100
 Food & Groceries112.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock129.5100
 Housing401.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$368,400$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock91.2100
 Miscellaneous156.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Scotts Valley    4 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

We lived and worked in Scotts Valley for a number of years. It's a nice enough city, safe and clean unlike some areas of Santa Cruz. It's well managed and the schools  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

Great weather and small town feel but it is changing rapidly  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Scotts Valley is an ideal, small town with many wonderful features. It's just 10 minutes from the beaches in nearby Santa Cruz yet doesn't get the wet fog because it's  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Scotts Valley

Reviews for Cottonwood    10 Reviews

As a 6th generation AZ Native, someone who had the misfortune of growing up in Phoenix, and who has lived all over the VV and Flagstaff, I think Cottonwood is great  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I have lived in Cottonwood since 2002. When I first moved here, this place was wonderful. Quiet, friendly and affordable. The weather was good with plenty of sunshine  More

   |    Reply

Actually Cottonwood is a great place because of the great LGBTQ community. Without this aspect Cottonwood wouldn't be anything really, except a Wal-mart. The LGBTQ  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Cottonwood


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.