Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Hampton is 38% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,346/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 36%
$67,758/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 36%
$234,100 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 60%
$1,347/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 38%
137,334
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $24,304/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Dayton — common questions

Is Hampton or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Dayton?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Dayton?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $24,304/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Hampton or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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.
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