Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Durham is 110% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,412/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 39%
$79,234/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 45%
$355,300 ↑ 281%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 74%
$1,434/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 42%
288,465
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $35,780/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Dayton — common questions

Is Durham or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Dayton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Dayton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $35,780/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Dayton details →

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