Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Huntsville is 56% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,078/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 20%
$70,778/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 39%
$263,100 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 65%
$1,046/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 20%
218,814
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $27,324/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Dayton — common questions

Is Huntsville or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Dayton?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Dayton?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $27,324/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Ohio?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Dayton

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville