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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Fort Collins is 174% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,661/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 48%
$83,598/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 48%
$548,400 ↑ 488%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 83%
$1,692/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 51%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $795/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,540/year.

Median household income is $40,144/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Dayton — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Dayton?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $795/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Dayton?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $40,144/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Dayton

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville