Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Cincinnati is 45% cheaper than Surprise.

$953/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 101%
$51,707/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 81%
$215,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 84%
$1,041/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 52%
309,595
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $964/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $11,568/year.

Median household income is $41,664/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Surprise — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Surprise?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $964/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Surprise?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $41,664/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Surprise

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite