Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Lancaster is 148% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,696/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 49%
$76,083/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 43%
$409,100 ↑ 339%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 77%
$1,746/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 52%
170,013
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $32,629/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Dayton — common questions

Is Lancaster or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Dayton?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Dayton?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $32,629/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Dayton

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville