Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Dayton is 52% cheaper than Clearwater.

$866/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 78%
$43,454/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 48%
$93,200 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 250%
$833/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 69%
136,741
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $20,986/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Dayton or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Clearwater?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Clearwater?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $20,986/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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