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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Surprise is 152% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,917/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 55%
$93,371/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 53%
$396,000 ↑ 325%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 76%
$1,587/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 48%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $49,917/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Dayton — common questions

Is Surprise or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Dayton?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,051/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Dayton?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $49,917/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Dayton

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville