Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Milwaukee is 34% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,033/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 16%
$51,888/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 16%
$172,000 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 46%
$1,082/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 23%
569,756
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $8,434/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Dayton — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Dayton?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Dayton?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $8,434/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Ohio?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Dayton details →

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