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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Pittsburgh is 52% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,221/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 29%
$64,137/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 32%
$193,200 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 52%
$1,136/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 27%
303,620
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $20,683/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Dayton — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Dayton?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Dayton?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $20,683/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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