Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Fort Lauderdale is 164% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,776/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 51%
$79,935/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 46%
$455,600 ↑ 389%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 80%
$1,778/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 53%
183,032
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $910/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $10,920/year.

Median household income is $36,481/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Dayton — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Dayton?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $910/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Dayton?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $36,481/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Ohio?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Lauderdale details → View Dayton details →

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