Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Dayton is 40% cheaper than Odessa.

$866/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 53%
$43,454/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 68%
$93,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 123%
$833/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 50%
136,741
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $29,576/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Odessa — common questions

Is Dayton or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Odessa?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Odessa?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $29,576/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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