Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Denver is 194% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,770/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 51%
$91,681/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 53%
$586,700 ↑ 530%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 84%
$1,839/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 55%
713,734
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $48,227/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Dayton — common questions

Is Denver or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Dayton?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Dayton?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $48,227/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Ohio?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Dayton details →

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