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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Dayton is 80% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$866/mo ↓ 68%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 209%
$43,454/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 221%
$93,200 ↓ 92%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 1141%
$833/mo ↓ 70%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 236%
136,741
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,812/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $21,744/year.

Median household income is $95,872/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Dayton or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,812/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $95,872/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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