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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Dayton is 34% cheaper than Waterbury.

$866/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 36%
$43,454/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 19%
$93,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 99%
$833/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 53%
136,741
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $8,188/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Dayton or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Waterbury?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Waterbury?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $8,188/year higher in Waterbury.
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 Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Waterbury details →

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