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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Richmond is 96% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,314/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 34%
$62,671/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 31%
$328,100 ↑ 252%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 72%
$1,374/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 39%
227,595
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $19,217/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Dayton — common questions

Is Richmond or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Dayton?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Dayton?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $19,217/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Dayton

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville