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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Salem is 110% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,323/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 35%
$71,900/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 40%
$382,400 ↑ 310%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 76%
$1,440/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 42%
176,666
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $457/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,484/year.

Median household income is $28,446/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Dayton — common questions

Is Salem or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Dayton?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $457/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Dayton?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $28,446/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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