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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Tucson is 52% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,079/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 20%
$54,546/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 20%
$242,200 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 62%
$1,076/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 23%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $11,092/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Dayton — common questions

Is Tucson or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Dayton?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Dayton?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $11,092/year higher in Tucson.
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 Tucson or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Dayton details →

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