Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Jacksonville is 84% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,375/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 37%
$66,981/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 35%
$266,100 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 65%
$1,324/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 37%
961,739
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $23,527/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Dayton — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Dayton?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Dayton?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $23,527/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Ohio?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Dayton details →

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