Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Providence is 98% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,333/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 35%
$66,772/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 35%
$322,800 ↑ 246%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 71%
$1,467/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 43%
190,214
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $23,318/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Dayton — common questions

Is Providence or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Dayton?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Dayton?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $23,318/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Ohio?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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