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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Cleveland and Dayton have a similar cost of living.

$894/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 3%
$39,187/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↑ 11%
$94,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$93,200 ≈ Same
$866/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 4%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,267/year higher in Dayton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Dayton — common questions

Is Cleveland or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 51 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Dayton?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $4,267/year higher in Dayton.
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 Cleveland or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Dayton details →

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