Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Kent, WA (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Dayton is 66% cheaper than Kent.

$866/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 112%
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 108%
$93,200 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 477%
$833/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 130%
136,741
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $967/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $11,604/year.

Median household income is $46,962/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Kent — common questions

Is Dayton or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Kent?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $967/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Kent?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $46,962/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Washington?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Kent

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights