Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Portland is 176% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,596/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 46%
$88,792/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 51%
$557,600 ↑ 498%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 83%
$1,771/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 53%
642,715
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $730/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $8,760/year.

Median household income is $45,338/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Dayton — common questions

Is Portland or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Dayton?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $730/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Dayton?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $45,338/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Ohio?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Dayton details →

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