Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Tulsa is 34% more expensive than Dayton.

$998/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 13%
$58,407/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 26%
$189,600 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 51%
$1,027/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 19%
412,322
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $14,953/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Dayton — common questions

Is Tulsa or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Dayton?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Dayton?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $14,953/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Ohio?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 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 Tulsa details → View Dayton details →

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