Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Dayton is 32% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$866/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 16%
$43,454/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↑ 12%
$93,200 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 154%
$833/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 25%
136,741
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $5,082/year higher in Tuscaloosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Dayton or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $5,082/year higher in Tuscaloosa.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Alabama?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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