Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Memphis is 36% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,123/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 23%
$51,211/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 15%
$157,100 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 41%
$1,087/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 23%
629,063
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $7,757/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Dayton — common questions

Is Memphis or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Dayton?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Dayton?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $7,757/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Dayton details →

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