Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Dayton is 60% cheaper than Sparks.

$866/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 91%
$43,454/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 100%
$93,200 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 389%
$833/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 93%
136,741
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $785/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,420/year.

Median household income is $43,525/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Sparks — common questions

Is Dayton or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Sparks?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $785/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Sparks?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $43,525/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Nevada?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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