Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Dayton is 12% cheaper than Evansville.

$866/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↑ 10%
$43,454/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↑ 20%
$93,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$129,100 ↑ 39%
$833/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↑ 10%
136,741
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $8,797/year higher in Evansville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Evansville — common questions

Is Dayton or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Evansville?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Evansville?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $8,797/year higher in Evansville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Indiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Evansville

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow