Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Minneapolis is 104% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,329/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 35%
$80,269/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 46%
$345,600 ↑ 271%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 73%
$1,513/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 45%
426,845
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $36,815/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Dayton — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Dayton?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Dayton?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $36,815/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Ohio?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Dayton details →

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