Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Boston is 252% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,093/mo ↑ 142%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 59%
$94,755/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 54%
$710,400 ↑ 662%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 87%
$2,176/mo ↑ 161%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 62%
663,972
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,227/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $14,724/year.

Median household income is $51,301/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Dayton — common questions

Is Boston or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Dayton?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,227/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Dayton?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $51,301/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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