Dayton vs Surprise
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Surprise
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 22.3%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $96,563 in Surprise.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Dayton has the same purchasing power as $96,563 in Surprise.
Conversely, $75,000 in Surprise equals $58,252 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Surprise
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Surprise's 105, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $419,000. The $284,000 difference in home prices means roughly $18,456 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,575/mo in Surprise, a monthly difference of $675.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 100 in Surprise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $475/month in Surprise. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 109 in Dayton and 102 in Surprise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $408 in Surprise. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Dayton and 97 in Surprise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $43,500 in Dayton and $85,500 in Surprise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $83,010 respectively. Surprise residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,015/month to housing in Dayton vs $1,995/month in Surprise. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Surprise, median rent of $1,575/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 59 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases