Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Dayton is 37% cheaper than Dearborn.

$866/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 46%
$43,454/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 50%
$93,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 121%
$833/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 41%
136,741
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $21,738/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Dayton or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Dearborn?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Dearborn?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $21,738/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Michigan?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Dearborn details →

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