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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Dayton is 78% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$866/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 177%
$43,454/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 153%
$93,200 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 1032%
$833/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 196%
136,741
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,529/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $18,348/year.

Median household income is $66,619/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Dayton or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,529/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $66,619/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Costa Mesa

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria