Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Dayton is 59% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$866/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 79%
$43,454/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 87%
$93,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 367%
$833/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 97%
136,741
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $37,635/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Dayton or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $37,635/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Michigan?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Ann Arbor details →

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