Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Dayton is 18% cheaper than Springfield.

$866/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↑ 9%
$43,454/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 51%
$93,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 67%
$833/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 17%
136,741
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $22,083/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Springfield — common questions

Is Dayton or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Springfield?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Springfield?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $22,083/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Springfield details →

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