Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Des Moines is 40% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,054/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 18%
$63,966/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 32%
$183,700 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 49%
$1,137/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 27%
212,464
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $20,512/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Dayton — common questions

Is Des Moines or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Dayton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Dayton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $20,512/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Ohio?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Dayton details →

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