Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Cincinnati is 38% more expensive than Dayton.

$953/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 9%
$51,707/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 16%
$215,300 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 57%
$1,041/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 20%
309,595
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $8,253/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Dayton — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Dayton?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $8,253/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Ohio?
Both cities are in Ohio and share the same state tax rates: 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Dayton details →

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