Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Rochester is 22% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,039/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 17%
$46,628/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 7%
$120,600 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 23%
$1,009/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 17%
209,720
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $3,174/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Dayton — common questions

Is Rochester or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Dayton?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Dayton?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $3,174/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New York and Ohio?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Dayton

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