Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Houston is 76% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,313/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 34%
$62,894/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 31%
$253,400 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 63%
$1,316/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 37%
2,300,419
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $19,440/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Dayton — common questions

Is Houston 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 Houston and Dayton?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Dayton?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $19,440/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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