Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Norfolk is 78% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,246/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 30%
$64,017/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 32%
$271,900 ↑ 192%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 66%
$1,366/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 39%
235,037
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $20,563/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Dayton — common questions

Is Norfolk or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Dayton?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Dayton?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $20,563/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Dayton details →

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