Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Dayton is 58% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$866/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 97%
$43,454/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 59%
$93,200 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 297%
$833/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 100%
136,741
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $25,807/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Dayton or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $25,807/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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