Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Baltimore is 68% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,290/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 33%
$59,623/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 27%
$219,300 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 58%
$1,333/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 38%
577,193
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $16,169/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Dayton — common questions

Is Baltimore or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Dayton?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Dayton?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $16,169/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Ohio?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Dayton details →

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