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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Scottsdale is 230% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,910/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 55%
$107,372/yr ↑ 147%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 60%
$709,900 ↑ 662%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 87%
$1,824/mo ↑ 119%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 54%
242,169
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

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $63,918/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Dayton — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Dayton?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Dayton?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $63,918/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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