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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Dayton is 84% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$866/mo ↓ 71%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 245%
$43,454/yr ↓ 75%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 300%
$93,200 ↓ 94%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 1539%
$833/mo ↓ 73%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 266%
136,741
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,119/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $25,428/year.

Median household income is $130,216/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Dayton or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $2,119/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $130,216/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Santa Clara

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville