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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Dayton is 64% cheaper than Allen.

$866/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 117%
$43,454/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 197%
$93,200 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 361%
$833/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 150%
136,741
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,011/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,132/year.

Median household income is $85,676/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Allen — common questions

Is Dayton or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Allen?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $1,011/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Allen?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $85,676/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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