Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Naperville is 194% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,852/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 53%
$150,937/yr ↑ 247%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 71%
$509,900 ↑ 447%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 82%
$2,161/mo ↑ 159%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 61%
149,424
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $986/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $11,832/year.

Median household income is $107,483/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Dayton — common questions

Is Naperville or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Dayton?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $986/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Dayton?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $107,483/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Dayton

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