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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Dayton is 30% cheaper than Abilene.

$866/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 28%
$43,454/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 44%
$93,200 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 92%
$833/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 34%
136,741
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $19,266/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Abilene — common questions

Is Dayton or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Abilene?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Abilene?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $19,266/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Abilene

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland