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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Modesto is 140% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,609/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 46%
$77,899/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 44%
$415,600 ↑ 346%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 78%
$1,613/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 48%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $34,445/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Dayton — common questions

Is Modesto or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Dayton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Dayton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $34,445/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Dayton

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville