Cost of Living Comparison for Dayton, OH
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Dayton's cost of living index is 83 — 17% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Dayton local data
How Dayton Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Dayton stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Dayton, OH | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $170,000 | $420,800 | -59.6% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $875 | $1,713 | -48.9% |
| Median Household Income | $54,600 | $74,580 | -26.8% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.60% | 1.10% | +45.5% |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Dayton Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 820,000
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg Commute
- 22 min
- Median Age
- 36.4
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 16.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,720
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Ohio Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Dayton
What is the median home price in Dayton, OH?
The median home price in Dayton is $170,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Dayton?
Median monthly rent in Dayton is $875. That works out to $10,500/year, or 19% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Dayton affordable?
Dayton's cost of living index is 83 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $54,600/year and a median home price of $170,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.1x. Dayton remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Dayton?
The effective property tax rate in Dayton is 1.60% of assessed value. On the median home of $170,000, that's roughly $2,720/year ($227/month).