Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Springfield is 58% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,114/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 22%
$51,339/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 15%
$222,700 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 58%
$1,276/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 35%
154,751
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $7,885/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Dayton — common questions

Is Springfield or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Dayton?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Dayton?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $7,885/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Dayton details →

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