Scottsdale offers a mix of affordable and premium options for housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. On average, students can expect a manageable cost of living with resources to help stretch every dollar. The average monthly cost of living in Scottsdale is between $1,300 - $2,000, depending on lifestyle and location. This guide provides a snapshot of typical monthly expenses to assist you in effectively planning and adapting to life in this academic hub.

1. Rent: $496-$744/month

2. Groceries: $99-$149/month

3. Transportation: $37-$62/month

4. Utilities: $50-$74/month

5. Internet: $25-$37/month

6. Leisure: $62-$124/month

There are several top-rated student housing in Scottsdale Arizona, to cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets. Here are some of the top room types available in the city:

1. 2-Bedroom Apartments - 2-bedroom houses for rent Scottsdale have a private bedroom and attached bathroom, giving students personal space while living in shared housing.
Privacy: A private bathroom ensures comfort and convenience.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchen and lounge are shared, encouraging interaction.
Ideal For: Students wanting privacy with the option to socialise.

2. 3-Bedroom Rooms - 3-bedroom houses for rent Scottsdale, provide a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, making them budget-friendly options.
Privacy: Bedroom remains personal, bathroom is shared with others.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchens and common areas are communal.
Ideal For: Students looking for affordable housing with community living.

3. Shared Apartments: Shared apartments offer individual bedrooms while residents share bathrooms, kitchens, and lounges.
Privacy: Bedrooms are private; other areas are communal.
Shared Living Areas: Strong focus on social living and group activities.
Ideal For: Students who enjoy community living and making friends.

4. Studios - Studio apartments in Scottsdale Arizona are self-contained spaces with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in one unit.
Privacy: Complete independence with private facilities.
Shared Living Areas: No shared spaces inside the unit.
Ideal For: Students who prefer independence and quiet study environments.

Scottsdale offers reliable and student-friendly travel options, making it easy for learners to move between campus, housing, and local attractions. The city’s well-connected transportation network allows both local and out-of-state students to navigate daily life comfortably. With public transit, bike-friendly roads, and access to major highways across the Phoenix metro area, getting around Scottsdale is convenient and stress-free. Below are the main commute options available near most student housing in Scottsdale:

1. Valley Metro Bus Services: Scottsdale is served by Valley Metro and Scottsdale’s own Scottsdale Trolley, which operates several routes connecting students to Scottsdale Community College, Old Town Scottsdale, Tempe, and neighboring Phoenix areas. One-way Valley Metro fares start around $2.00.

2. Cycling: With sunny weather most of the year, dedicated bike lanes, and scenic paths like the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, cycling is a popular choice for students. Many ride to campus, nearby cafés, grocery stores, or parks. It’s an eco-friendly, healthy, and cost-effective way to get around while enjoying Scottsdale’s outdoor-friendly lifestyle.

3. Ridesharing & Carpooling: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Scottsdale. Carpooling with classmates is also common, especially for weekend outings to Tempe, Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, or off-campus jobs.

Scottsdale offers a relaxed lifestyle for students, with plenty of opportunities to unwind and connect. Known for its modern amenities, artistic districts, outdoor adventure spots, and welcoming atmosphere. Scottsdale is an ideal setting for students attending Scottsdale Community College, Arizona State University, or nearby institutions across the Phoenix metro area.

Popular student hangouts include Berdena’s Coffee, Sip Coffee & Beer House. The cozy cafés and restaurants scattered throughout Old Town Scottsdale, perfect for grabbing a quick bite, studying between classes, or meeting up with friends. For outdoor lovers, Scottsdale provides endless options. Students often hike Camelback Mountain, explore the red rock formations of Papago Park, enjoy the shaded pathways of the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, or relax at scenic spots around Scottsdale Waterfront.

Scottsdale also has a lively cultural and social scene, with art walks, open-air markets, live music events, and annual festivals that bring students and locals together. Major attractions such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Butterfly Wonderland, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offer a mix of arts, entertainment, nature, and recreation. With its supportive community, beautiful surroundings, and well-balanced lifestyle, student housing Scottsdale options provide a fulfilling living experience both on and off campus.

Home to a steadily growing academic community and surrounded by well-regarded educational institutions. Scottsdale provides students with excellent access to strong higher-education opportunities within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Here’s a closer look at the top colleges and universities serving students in and around Scottsdale:

1. Scottsdale Community College (SCC): Located right in the heart of Scottsdale, SCC is one of the most respected community colleges in Arizona. With a student population of approximately 9,000 learners, it offers a wide range of academic pathways, including business, film, hospitality, computer science, and health sciences. Known for its supportive faculty, modern campus, and strong transfer partnerships with Arizona State University (ASU), SCC is a popular choice for students beginning their academic journey or seeking flexible programs.

2. Arizona State University's (ASU): Just minutes from Scottsdale, ASU’s Tempe Campus is one of the largest and most recognized public research universities in the nation, enrolling more than 57,000 on-campus students. ASU is known for its top-ranked programs in engineering, business, design, sustainability, journalism, and technology.