Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Albuquerque is 30% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,085/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 20%
$65,604/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 34%
$266,700 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 65%
$1,149/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 28%
562,488
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $22,150/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Dayton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Dayton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Dayton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $22,150/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Ohio?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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.
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