Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Riverside is 188% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,812/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 52%
$88,575/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 51%
$542,100 ↑ 482%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 83%
$1,880/mo ↑ 126%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 56%
316,241
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $946/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $11,352/year.

Median household income is $45,121/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Dayton — common questions

Is Riverside or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Dayton?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $946/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Dayton?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $45,121/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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