Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Lakewood is 182% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,746/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 50%
$85,789/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 49%
$548,200 ↑ 488%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 83%
$1,729/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 52%
156,309
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $880/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $10,560/year.

Median household income is $42,335/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Dayton — common questions

Is Lakewood or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Dayton?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $880/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Dayton?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $42,335/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Ohio?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Dayton details →

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