Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Dayton is 14% cheaper than Topeka.

$866/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↑ 9%
$43,454/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 29%
$93,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$130,600 ↑ 40%
$833/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↑ 12%
136,741
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $12,448/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Topeka — common questions

Is Dayton or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Topeka?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Topeka?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $12,448/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Kansas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Topeka details →

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