Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Cedar Rapids is 30% more expensive than Dayton.

$925/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 6%
$67,859/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 36%
$177,100 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 47%
$1,084/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 23%
136,859
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $24,405/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Dayton — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Dayton?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Dayton?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $24,405/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Ohio?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/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 Cedar Rapids details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Dayton

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar Cedar Rapids vs. Warren Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Dayton vs. Columbia