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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Santa Clarita is 294% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,486/mo ↑ 187%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 65%
$119,926/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 64%
$721,000 ↑ 674%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 87%
$2,649/mo ↑ 218%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 69%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,620/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $19,440/year.

Median household income is $76,472/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Dayton — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Dayton?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,620/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Dayton?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $76,472/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Dayton

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville