Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Lexington is 64% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,101/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 21%
$67,631/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 36%
$272,100 ↑ 192%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 66%
$1,160/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 28%
321,122
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $24,177/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Dayton — common questions

Is Lexington or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Dayton?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Dayton?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $24,177/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Ohio?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Dayton details →

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