Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Billings, MT (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Dayton is 42% cheaper than Billings.

$866/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 27%
$43,454/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 65%
$93,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 235%
$833/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 41%
136,741
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $28,401/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Billings — common questions

Is Dayton or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Billings?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Billings?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $28,401/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Montana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Billings details →

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