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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Killeen is 50% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,147/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 24%
$58,339/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 26%
$196,000 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 52%
$1,176/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 29%
156,144
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $14,885/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Dayton — common questions

Is Killeen or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Dayton?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Dayton?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $14,885/year higher in Killeen.
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 Killeen or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Dayton

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville