Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Syracuse is 18% more expensive than Dayton.

$998/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 13%
$45,845/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 5%
$125,100 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 25%
$980/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 15%
146,211
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $2,391/year higher in Syracuse. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Dayton — common questions

Is Syracuse or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 59 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Dayton?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Dayton?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $2,391/year higher in Syracuse.
How do taxes compare between New York and Ohio?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/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 Syracuse details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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