Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Dayton is 35% cheaper than Lafayette.

$866/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 23%
$43,454/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 41%
$93,200 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 170%
$833/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 27%
136,741
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $18,000/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Dayton or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Lafayette?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Lafayette?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $18,000/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Louisiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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