Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Richmond

California
161

Dayton is 69% cheaper than Richmond.

$866/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 119%
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 107%
$93,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 598%
$833/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 142%
136,741
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,029/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,348/year.

Median household income is $46,584/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Richmond — common questions

Is Dayton or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Richmond?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $1,029/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Richmond?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $46,584/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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