Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Anaheim is 132% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,082/mo ↑ 140%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 58%
$90,583/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
$771,700 ↑ 728%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 88%
$2,165/mo ↑ 160%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 62%
344,553
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,216/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $14,592/year.

Median household income is $47,129/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Dayton — common questions

Is Anaheim or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Dayton?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,216/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Dayton?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $47,129/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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 Anaheim details → View Dayton details →