Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Indianapolis is 48% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,112/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 22%
$62,995/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 31%
$207,000 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 55%
$1,124/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 26%
882,043
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $19,541/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Dayton — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Dayton?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Dayton?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $19,541/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Ohio?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Dayton

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville