Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

St. Paul is 82% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,248/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 31%
$73,055/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 41%
$280,300 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 67%
$1,390/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 40%
307,762
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $29,601/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Dayton — common questions

Is St. Paul or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Dayton?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Dayton?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $29,601/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Ohio?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Dayton

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