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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Los Angeles is 274% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,879/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 54%
$80,366/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 46%
$879,500 ↑ 844%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 89%
$2,055/mo ↑ 147%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 59%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,013/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,156/year.

Median household income is $36,912/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Dayton — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Dayton?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,013/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Dayton?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $36,912/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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