Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Dayton is 39% cheaper than Lakeland.

$866/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 50%
$43,454/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 40%
$93,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 146%
$833/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 38%
136,741
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $17,493/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Dayton or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Lakeland?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Lakeland?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $17,493/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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