City in Arizona, United States
Scottsdale
Resort, golf and spa city with desert hikes and a lively Old Town nightlife. Hot summers and car dependence are the trade-offs; best Oct–Apr, with winter sun for remote workers.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$3,600–5,200Comfortable, one person · $3,600–5,200Details
- Value for money13/100Better value than 12% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 42°CDetails
- Air quality8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe; City of Scottsdale water is treated and tested.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Scottsdale
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Town Scottsdale | Walkable bars, restaurants and galleries; best for first-timers |
| Scottsdale Waterfront and Arts District | Canal paths, art galleries and boutique hotels |
| North Scottsdale and Desert Ridge | Resorts, hiking and quiet stays; need a car |
| McCormick Ranch | Residential, lake paths and golf-friendly long stays |
Apps that work in Scottsdale
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are available but expensive; apps are cheaper. Plan rides back from Old Town bars rather than driving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere. Carry small bills for tips and some food trucks.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to Scottsdale solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.