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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Fullerton is 290% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,124/mo ↑ 145%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 59%
$104,219/yr ↑ 140%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 58%
$859,600 ↑ 822%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 89%
$2,251/mo ↑ 170%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 63%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,258/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $15,096/year.

Median household income is $60,765/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Dayton — common questions

Is Fullerton or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Dayton?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,258/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Dayton?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $60,765/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Dayton

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville