Scottsdale vs Irvine: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Irvine is 24% more expensive than Scottsdale. Irvine is 43% safer. Irvine has more comfortable months (12 vs 6). Scottsdale population: 243,006. Irvine population: 318,764.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Scottsdale vs Irvine
Scottsdale is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 125 vs 155 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 30 index points.
| Category | Scottsdale | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 125 | 155 |
| Housing | $3,293/moIndex: 185 | $4,450/moIndex: 250 |
| Groceries | $418/moIndex: 102 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $326/moIndex: 102 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $231/moIndex: 105 | $202/moIndex: 92 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Scottsdale vs Irvine
Irvine is 43% safer overall, with a crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents vs Scottsdale's 20.2. Irvine earns a B+ safety grade compared to Scottsdale's B-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Scottsdale
Arizona
Irvine
California
| Metric | Scottsdale | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 20.2/1K | 11.6/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 120.0 | 60.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1900.0 | 1100.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.8 | 0.9 |
| Assault Rate | 99.5 | 42.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 17.2 | 13.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 326.4 | 172.1 |
| Theft Rate | 1416.3 | 730.0 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 374.3 | 262.4 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Scottsdale, you have a 1 in 50 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 86 in Irvine.
Climate: Scottsdale vs Irvine
Scottsdale Climate Overview
Irvine Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Scottsdale | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 86.7°F | 74.6°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 61.5°F | 55.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 7.8" | 12.8" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 12 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Scottsdale is 22°F warmer in summer than Irvine, but Scottsdale is 4°F colder in winter than Irvine. Irvine is wetter with 13" of annual rain compared to 8". Irvine has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 6).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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