Santa Rosa, CA vs Dayton, OH: 172 vs 50

$2,084/mo ↑ 141%

Median Rent

$866/mo ↓ 58%

$97,410/yr ↑ 124%

Median Income

$43,454/yr ↓ 55%

$685,000 ↑ 635%

Home Value

$93,200 ↓ 86%

$2,130/mo ↑ 156%

Owner Costs

$833/mo ↓ 61%

177,216

Population

136,741

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,218/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $14,616/year.

Median household income is $53,956/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Dayton — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Dayton cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Dayton?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,218/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Dayton?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $53,956/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Dayton?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Santa Rosa

Dayton

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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