Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Lincoln is 54% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,045/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 17%
$69,991/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 38%
$248,200 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 62%
$1,140/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 27%
291,932
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $26,537/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Dayton — common questions

Is Lincoln or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Dayton?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Dayton?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $26,537/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Ohio?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Dayton details →

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