Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Phoenix is 118% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,458/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 41%
$77,041/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 44%
$381,900 ↑ 310%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 76%
$1,430/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 42%
1,624,832
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $33,587/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Dayton — common questions

Is Phoenix or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Dayton?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Dayton?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $33,587/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Ohio?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Dayton details →

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