Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Miami is 158% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,657/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 48%
$59,390/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 27%
$475,200 ↑ 410%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 80%
$1,666/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 50%
446,663
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $791/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,492/year.

Median household income is $15,936/year higher in Miami. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Dayton — common questions

Is Miami or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Dayton?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $791/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Dayton?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $15,936/year higher in Miami.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Ohio?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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