Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,059 in Ohio. Overall, Ohio runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $65,327 in Ohio — about 15% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
5.75%
+0.2 pp in Ohio
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
2.75%
+0.3 pp in Ohio
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,059
+15% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$234,500
+36% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$65,327
+15% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
52.7°F
+22.4°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Ohio — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Ohio?
- Ohio is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,059 runs about 15% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Ohio?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $42,000 in Ohio.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Ohio?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Ohio — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.