Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Boise is 124% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,359/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 36%
$81,308/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 47%
$456,000 ↑ 389%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 80%
$1,337/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 38%
235,701
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $37,854/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Dayton — common questions

Is Boise or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Dayton?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Dayton?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $37,854/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Ohio?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Dayton

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville