Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Dayton is 79% cheaper than Cambridge.

$866/mo ↓ 68%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 217%
$43,454/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 191%
$93,200 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 1016%
$833/mo ↓ 68%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 216%
136,741
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,876/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $22,512/year.

Median household income is $83,015/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Dayton or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Cambridge?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,876/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Cambridge?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $83,015/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Cambridge details →

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