Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Atlanta is 144% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,617/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 46%
$81,938/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 47%
$420,600 ↑ 351%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 78%
$1,695/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 51%
499,287
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $38,484/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Dayton — common questions

Is Atlanta or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Dayton?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Dayton?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $38,484/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Ohio?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Dayton details →

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