Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Dayton is 122% cheaper than Stamford.

$866/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 155%
$43,454/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 147%
$93,200 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 559%
$833/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 183%
136,741
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,341/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $16,092/year.

Median household income is $64,020/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Stamford — common questions

Is Dayton or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Stamford?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $1,341/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Stamford?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $64,020/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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