Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Bellevue is 400% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,505/mo ↑ 189%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 65%
$161,300/yr ↑ 271%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 73%
$1,203,100 ↑ 1191%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 92%
$2,586/mo ↑ 210%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 68%
151,199
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,639/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $19,668/year.

Median household income is $117,846/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Dayton — common questions

Is Bellevue or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Dayton?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,639/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Dayton?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $117,846/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Ohio?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Dayton

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville