Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Austin is 168% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,655/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 48%
$91,461/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
$512,700 ↑ 450%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 82%
$1,747/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 52%
967,862
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $789/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,468/year.

Median household income is $48,007/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Dayton — common questions

Is Austin or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Dayton?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $789/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Dayton?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $48,007/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Dayton details →

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