Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Alexandria is 123% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,031/mo ↑ 135%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 57%
$113,638/yr ↑ 162%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 62%
$696,800 ↑ 648%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 87%
$2,173/mo ↑ 161%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 62%
156,788
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,165/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $13,980/year.

Median household income is $70,184/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Dayton — common questions

Is Alexandria or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Dayton?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,165/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Dayton?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $70,184/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Dayton details →