Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Newark is 100% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,330/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 35%
$48,416/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 10%
$337,800 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 72%
$1,419/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 41%
307,188
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $4,962/year higher in Newark. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Dayton — common questions

Is Newark or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Dayton?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Dayton?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $4,962/year higher in Newark.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Ohio?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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