Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Montgomery is 28% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,059/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 18%
$55,687/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 22%
$148,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 37%
$1,023/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 19%
198,440
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $12,233/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Dayton — common questions

Is Montgomery or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Dayton?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Dayton?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $12,233/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Ohio?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Dayton details →

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