Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Spokane is 80% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,141/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 24%
$65,745/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 34%
$326,200 ↑ 250%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 71%
$1,213/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 31%
229,228
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $22,291/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Dayton — common questions

Is Spokane or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Dayton?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Dayton?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $22,291/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Ohio?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Dayton details →

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