Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Dayton is 38% cheaper than Hartford.

$866/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 41%
$43,454/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↑ 4%
$93,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 133%
$833/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 54%
136,741
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $1,846/year higher in Hartford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Hartford — common questions

Is Dayton or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Hartford?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Hartford?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $1,846/year higher in Hartford.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Hartford details →

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