Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Elk Grove is 236% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,180/mo ↑ 152%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 60%
$122,229/yr ↑ 181%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 64%
$603,400 ↑ 547%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 85%
$2,227/mo ↑ 167%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 63%
177,221
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,314/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $15,768/year.

Median household income is $78,775/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Dayton — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Dayton?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,314/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Dayton?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $78,775/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Dayton

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville