Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Salt Lake City is 134% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,343/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 36%
$74,925/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 42%
$495,700 ↑ 432%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 81%
$1,394/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 40%
203,888
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $31,471/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Dayton — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Dayton?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Dayton?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $31,471/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Ohio?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Dayton

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville