Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Dayton is 37% cheaper than Allentown.

$866/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 47%
$43,454/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 23%
$93,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 103%
$833/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 49%
136,741
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $9,949/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Allentown — common questions

Is Dayton or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Allentown?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Allentown?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $9,949/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Allentown details →

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