Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Dayton is 67% cheaper than Arvada.

$866/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 108%
$43,454/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 161%
$93,200 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 545%
$833/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 134%
136,741
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $936/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $11,232/year.

Median household income is $69,942/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Arvada — common questions

Is Dayton or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Arvada?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $936/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Arvada?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $69,942/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Colorado?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Arvada

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence