Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Dayton is 62% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$866/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 69%
$43,454/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 47%
$93,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 322%
$833/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 85%
136,741
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $20,420/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Dayton or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $20,420/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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