Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Independence, MO (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Dayton is 25% cheaper than Independence.

$866/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 23%
$43,454/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 37%
$93,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$166,400 ↑ 79%
$833/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 26%
136,741
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $16,026/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Independence — common questions

Is Dayton or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Independence?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Independence?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $16,026/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Missouri?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Independence details →

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