Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Dayton is 80% cheaper than Berkeley.

$866/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 146%
$43,454/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 150%
$93,200 ↓ 93%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 1350%
$833/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 181%
136,741
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,261/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $15,132/year.

Median household income is $65,104/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Dayton or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Berkeley?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,261/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Berkeley?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $65,104/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Berkeley details →

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