Santa Ana, CA vs Dayton, OH: 163 vs 50

$1,975/mo ↑ 128%

Median Rent

$866/mo ↓ 56%

$88,354/yr ↑ 103%

Median Income

$43,454/yr ↓ 51%

$657,800 ↑ 606%

Home Value

$93,200 ↓ 86%

$1,965/mo ↑ 136%

Owner Costs

$833/mo ↓ 58%

311,639

Population

136,741

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,109/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $13,308/year.

Median household income is $44,900/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Dayton — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Dayton cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Dayton?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,109/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Dayton?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $44,900/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Dayton?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Dayton

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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