Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Dallas is 94% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,403/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 38%
$67,760/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 36%
$295,300 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 68%
$1,409/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 41%
1,299,553
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $24,306/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Dayton — common questions

Is Dallas or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Dayton?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Dayton?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $24,306/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Dayton details →

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