Cost of Living: Denton, TX vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Denton is 100% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,344/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 36%
$73,719/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 41%
$325,700 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 71%
$1,461/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 43%
146,987
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $30,265/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Dayton — common questions

Is Denton or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Dayton?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Dayton?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $30,265/year higher in Denton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denton or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denton details → View Dayton details →

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