Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Philadelphia is 70% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,323/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 35%
$60,698/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 28%
$232,400 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 60%
$1,233/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 32%
1,582,432
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $457/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,484/year.

Median household income is $17,244/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Dayton — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Dayton?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $457/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Dayton?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $17,244/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Ohio?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Dayton details →

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