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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Downey

California
169

Dayton is 70% cheaper than Downey.

$866/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 118%
$43,454/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 101%
$93,200 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 682%
$833/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 140%
136,741
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,026/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,312/year.

Median household income is $43,946/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Downey — common questions

Is Dayton or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Downey?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $1,026/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Downey?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $43,946/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Downey details →

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