Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Norman, OK (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Dayton is 34% cheaper than Norman.

$866/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 23%
$43,454/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 50%
$93,200 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 157%
$833/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 35%
136,741
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $21,606/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Norman — common questions

Is Dayton or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Norman?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Norman?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $21,606/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Oklahoma?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Norman details →

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